Field evaluation of supplementary feed and water for the northern hairy-nosed wombat, Lasiorhinus krefftii

Abstract

The northern hairy-nosed wombat, Lasiorhinus krefftii, is listed as critically endangered in Australia and is restricted to a single population of ~90 animals in central Queensland. The area receives low rainfall and is regularly subjected to periods of drought and therefore is at risk from wildfire. There is a clear link between good wet seasons and higher levels of reproductive activity. A long-term management goal of the L. krefftii recovery program has been to determine preferred feed of wombats and to gain acceptance of supplementary feed and water by L. krefftii in order to mitigate the effects of drought and wildfire and potentially increase fecundity and survivorship rates in the population. Prior to this study, there had been several unsuccessful attempts to induce L. krefftii to take supplementary feed and water, but the current study, which was of a longer duration, has shown that L. krefftii will readily take supplementary feed and water. In addition, L. krefftii prefers certain feed types (Complete-O (primarily steam-flaked barley with molasses and lucerne and oaten chaff), and Town and Country pellet mix (primarily wheat, barley and sorghum, with canola and soybean meal)) and will visit sources of feed and water on a nightly basis. Visits by L. krefftii to supplementary feed and water sites were related to the occurrence of rainfall, with visits declining after rain.