There are three species of Wombat, the Common, the Southern Hairy-nosed, and the extremely rare Northern Hairy-nosed. Wally is a common wombat.
Wombats live in burrows. A wombat burrow may have up to 12 entrances, with individual tunnels extending up to 30 meters. The burrow protects against heat, cold, dehydration, and bushfires. Several wombats may co-exist in a warren, with little interaction between individuals except at mating time.
Wombats are vegetarians. They eat grasses, roots, and mushrooms.
Wombats are protected by law in most parts of Australia. They have the best-developed brains of any marsupial and are remarkably agile for their shape, being able to run at 40 km (25 miles) an hour for a short distance. A common wombat can live for up to 20 years.
The red marks where in Australia the Common Wombat is found. The Northern Hairy Nosed Wombat has become uncommon over the years. Since European settlement, it has only been found in three areas: central queensland, southern queensland, and the Deniliquin area in new south wales. But today, it is only found in central queensland. You can see the tiny green dot right above Queensland.
In order from left to right these are the Northern Hairy Nosed, Southern Hairy Nosed, and Common Wombat.
