The common wombat (or Vombatus ursinus), also known as the coarse-haired or bare-nosed wombat, is a marsupial found in the scrub and woodlands of south eastern Australia and Tasmania. It has a squat, round build with short, muscular legs and a blunt snout. The body is covered in coarse grey-brown fur. Common wombats measure between 90cm and 115cm in length from nose to rump and weigh 22kg to 39kg. There are no obvious external differences between males and females.
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Vombatus ursinus
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Animal Facts
The common wombat can achieve and maintain a speed of 40kmh for up to 90 seconds.
The wombat’s closest living relative is the koala.
The skin of the common wombat is extremely tough – it often uses its hindquarters to block burrow entrances from predators as it can withstand strong bites.
The word ‘wombat’ comes from the Darug language, which was spoken by the Aboriginal Darug people native to the Sydney basin.
Wombat faeces are cube shaped, and are used to mark territories or attract mates.
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