How Many Wombats Are Left in Australia? ~110,000 (2020 Estimate)

Population Status of Australia's Iconic Burrowers

According to the Australian Koala Foundation (2020), the estimated wild wombat population across Australia is approximately 110,000 individuals.

Species Breakdown (Three Extant Species)

• Common Wombat (Vombatus ursinus): Most numerous; southeast Australia, Tasmania, Flinders Island.
• Southern Hairy‑nosed Wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons): ~100,000–300,000? (estimates vary); arid SA, WA.
• Northern Hairy‑nosed Wombat (Lasiorhinus krefftii): Critically Endangered – ~300 individuals in two fenced reserves (Epping Forest, Richard Underwood).

Threats

• Habitat loss (agriculture, development)
• Vehicle strikes
• Mange (sarcoptic mite)
• Drought & climate change
• Dog attacks

Conservation

Fenced predator‑free reserves, mange treatment programs, wildlife corridors, and road signage are key strategies. The Northern Hairy‑nosed Wombat's recovery from ~35 (1980s) to ~300 is a rare success story.