Head to head
Southern Hairy-Nosed Wombat vs Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat
The southern and northern hairy-nosed wombats are closely related species that could hardly be more different in their conservation fortunes, one thriving across South Australia and the other clinging to survival in a tiny part of Queensland.
| Southern Hairy-Nosed Wombat | Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Lasiorhinus latifrons | Lasiorhinus krefftii |
| Natural range | Much of South Australia | A tiny part of central Queensland |
| Population size | Widespread and abundant | Historically as low as ~35 animals |
| Key protection measure | None specifically required | Predator-proof fence, second translocated site |
| Social structure | Loosely social, shared burrow networks | Similar burrowing habits, tiny population |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Critically Endangered |
| Population trend | Stable | Increasing |
| Habitat | Desert, grassland | Grassland, forest |
Southern Hairy-Nosed Wombat vs Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat: common questions
Why is the northern hairy-nosed wombat so much rarer than the southern hairy-nosed wombat?
The northern hairy-nosed wombat was reduced to roughly 35 individuals at its historical low point and has always occupied a far smaller natural range than the widespread southern hairy-nosed wombat, a combination that has kept it one of the rarest large mammals on Earth despite decades of dedicated conservation work.
How has the northern hairy-nosed wombat's population changed over time?
This species has grown slowly from its historical low of around 35 animals to several hundred today, supported by a dedicated predator-proof fence and translocation to a second protected site, though it remains Critically Endangered and confined to an extremely small area compared with the southern hairy-nosed wombat's much broader range.
Do both hairy-nosed wombats look similar?
Yes, both species share the same broad, heavily haired nose that gives them their shared common name and general body shape, and telling them apart in the wild comes down almost entirely to location, since their natural ranges do not overlap at all.