Effect of Drought on the Health of Wild Hairy-Nosed Wombats, Lasiorhinus latifrons

Abstract

The health and nutritional status of a population of the hairy-nosed wombat Lasiorhinus latifrons inhabiting the Blanche Town region of South Australia was assessed over a period of 18 months, 12 of which were during a drought. Measurements were made of body morphology, haematological and biochemical constituents and vitamin and trace element status of animals in the field: these were examined in relation to the chemical composition of stomach contents and of faeces. During the study period, changes in body weight, body condition and selected haematological and chemical constituents were closely associated with changes in the quantity and quality of food, as measured by faecal nitrogen and organic matter and by a plant growth index. It appears that wombats in the Blanche Town region survived a drought of 12 months duration with minimal loss of body tissues and maintained physiological functions.