Wombat: Habitat

Habitat and Geographic Range

It now occurs across the Nullarbor Plain and in spots to the east of the Plain and west of the Murray River in SA. Its range has decreased since European settlement. Wombats occur in semi-arid country. Typical habitats are low open mallee scrub or saltbush plains. The animals dig deep cavernous burrows and shelter in them during the day to avoid the heat. Burrows are often interconnected into large warrens in which a number of animals live.

Food and Foraging

The animals feed on saltbush and other shrubs and native grasses. This is mainly very fibrous and the animals grind it up finely with their molars. The teeth grow continuously, unlike those of most other animals and this is very important for their survival as their fibrous plant foods tend to wear the surfaces of the teeth away.

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