Northern hairy-nosed wombat program

In the heart of Central Queensland, a plump, furry creature with distinctive whiskers and a button nose meanders through the undergrowth. Its appearance signifies a glimmer of hope for a species on the brink of extinction: the elusive northern hairy-nosed wombat.

This wombat is, in fact, an inhabitant of a carefully constructed sanctuary at Richard Underwood Nature Refuge in Queensland. It was translocated to the refuge from Epping Forest National Park, home to the last remaining natural population of northern hairy-nosed wombats.

The refuge was made possible through a multi-million-dollar partnership between Glencore and the Queensland Department of Environment and Science (DES), which began back in 2008.

Now, almost 14 years on, a new sanctuary is set to be established.

Expanding horizons to save a species

Following an extensive search, an area spanning around 3,000 hectares in south-west Queensland has been chosen as the next safe haven for the northern hairy-nosed wombat.

We are proud to have invested $2.1 million to help secure and establish the site, which will soon offer a space for these enigmatic creatures to slowly rebuild their numbers away from the threats that have pushed them to the edge.

Once abundant across eastern Australia, a culmination of factors, including habitat loss and predation has contributed to their decline.

There are currently only 315 northern hairy-nosed wombats left in the world – fewer than China’s giant panda, Indonesia’s Sumatran tiger and Central Africa’s mountain gorilla.

Dave Harper, Principal Conservation Officer at DES Threatened Species Unit, said diversification of sanctuaries is crucial to species recovery.

“We’ve achieved great results through the Threatened Species Program so far but there is still a big risk that fire, drought, or disease could wipe out the last natural population,” Dave said.

“It is great that the population at Epping Forest National Park is approaching capacity but that means there is some imperative to get the new site up and running. That’s why it’s fantastic to have Glencore Coal on board to support the cause.”

Providing practical support

Scientists and caretakers are working diligently to ensure the wombats are provided with optimal conditions for growth at the new site. This includes the implementation of predator-proof fencing and artificial burrows, which Glencore has helped to fund.  

Dr Manda Page, Director of DES Threatened Species Unit, said practical support and collaboration sets this project apart from others.

“This project has such great spirit. It’s bringing together different parts of DES, Glencore, the local community and Traditional Owners. Everyone is working together for a great cause,” she said.

“Glencore’s financial support has been instrumental in what we are trying to achieve and, to tell you the truth, we wouldn’t be here building this new sanctuary without their support.”

There is still a long journey ahead for the northern hairy-nosed wombat, but the story of this creature – and the partnership that sustains it – is an important chapter in the ongoing narrative of conservation.