The Footprint 2011 Summer Edition - Eyre Peninsula Natural ...

Zoo scientist visits EP for wombat research
Caring for our natural resources
The southern hairy-nosed wombat.
About 200 landholders State-wide
have responded to two surveys
about the impact of wombats on
their properties.
The surveys were distributed on Eyre
Peninsula during a recent visit to the
region by Dr Elisa Sparrow of Zoos SA,
and Dr David Taggart from the University
of Adelaide, who are developing a draft
management plan on the southern hairy
nosed wombat.
EP landholders have contributed to a State
survey on wombat impacts and numbers.
The surveys asked for information about wombat
distribution and land use, species abundance and
management techniques as well as ideas, knowledge
and opinions about wombats.
Workshops were also held at Nundroo, Penong, Wudinna,
Elliston and Cummins which were attended by a total of
about 60 people.
Dr Sparrow and Dr Taggart also visited over 30 sites
which are affected by wombats.
The workshops and site visits were coordinated by local
EPNRM staff.
Dr Sparrow said the majority of survey respondents
believed co-existence with wombats could be possible,
however it is conditional.
“Most landholders just want better management options
when it comes to wombats,” Dr Sparrow said.
“I was surprised by the extent of the damage that wombats
have caused at some sites and the safety hazards that
their burrows create.”
She thanked all landholders for their contributions.
Dr Sparrow is now using the information that she gathered
from the surveys and her EP visit to write a report, which
she will present when she returns to the region in February
for follow-up workshops.
EPNRM footprint summer edition 2011 16