FaunaHub

Wombat

MammalMarsupialWild

A common wombat (Vombatus ursinus), a stocky burrowing marsupial.

Common wombat (Vombatus ursinus).

Image: Dmitry Brant, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Overview

Wombats are stocky, burrowing marsupials native to Australia, with three living species. This page is a group-level overview; the common wombat (Vombatus ursinus) is used as a reference. Wombats are powerful diggers with short legs and a compact build, and — unusually among marsupials — they produce distinctively cube-shaped droppings.

Habitat & Range

Wombats live in forests, woodlands, grasslands, and mountainous areas of Australia, including Tasmania, where they dig extensive burrow systems for shelter. The common wombat is the most widespread, while the northern hairy-nosed wombat has a very small range. Habitat and range vary by species, and burrows are central to wombat life.

Diet

Wombats are herbivores that graze on grasses, roots, and other vegetation, with a slow metabolism and very efficient digestion suited to a low-nutrient diet. They typically feed at night and in cooler hours. This page describes general feeding ecology, not care or feeding instructions.

Behavior

Wombats are mainly nocturnal or crepuscular and spend much of the day in their burrows. They are strong, determined diggers, and their rear end is reinforced with tough cartilage, which can be used to block a burrow against a predator. Despite a placid appearance, they are sizeable wild animals that can defend themselves and should not be handled. Behaviour varies among the species.

Human Interaction & Conservation

Wombats are protected Australian wildlife, not pets. While the common wombat is relatively widespread, other wombats — notably the northern hairy-nosed wombat — are seriously threatened and the focus of conservation efforts; wombats can also be affected by disease, habitat loss, and vehicle collisions. Conservation status varies sharply by species and should be checked against current sources. This page is educational, not care or veterinary advice.

Appearance & Recognition

Wombats are barrel-shaped marsupials with short, powerful legs, large digging claws, a broad head, small eyes and ears, and a very short tail. Their fur ranges from sandy to dark brown or grey. Like other marsupials, females have a pouch — which, in burrowing wombats, opens backwards to keep out soil. Their sturdy build and digging adaptations are characteristic.

Similar Animals

Wombats are marsupials, related to the koala and kangaroo covered on FaunaHub. The koala is their closest living relative. Their burrowing, ground-dwelling lifestyle sets them apart from the tree-dwelling koala and the hopping kangaroo.

More photos of the wombat

A common wombat with a juvenile in grassland on Maria Island.

A common wombat with young in the wild, Maria Island.

Image: Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently Asked Questions — Wombat

Why are wombat droppings cube-shaped?
Wombats are notable for producing cube-shaped droppings, thought to result from how their long, specialised intestines form the faeces. The shape may help the droppings stay in place when used to mark territory. It is a genuine and unusual feature of wombats.
Are wombats related to koalas?
Yes. Wombats and koalas are both marsupials and are each other's closest living relatives, despite their very different lifestyles — wombats burrow on the ground, while koalas live in trees.
Can wombats be kept as pets?
No. Wombats are protected Australian wildlife with specialised needs, and they are not pets. This page is educational, not care advice; wombats should be seen in the wild or at accredited facilities.

Sources and further reading

Authoritative wildlife references used for general educational context. Conservation status should always be verified against current IUCN Red List data. External links open in a new tab.