VOLUNTEER AND TRAVEL AUSTRALiA

Conservation Volunteers

Project Snapshot - The Wombat Fence

Conservation Volunteers teams have just completed a 5 km predator-proof fence to protect the endangered Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat (Lasiorhinus krefftii) in Queensland. This newly constructed enclosure will be the new home for several of these loveable marsupials. Their curious name comes from its distinctive muzzle which is covered with short brown hairs. Currently there are only 113 wombats left in the wild and they all reside in one place, Epping Forest, which is located in Central Queensland.

In an effort to ensure the long term future of the species, an area suitable for translocation of the wombats was identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Our role in this important wildlife recovery project was to work with the EPA and fencing contractors to construct the predator-proof fence. The special design includes a ‘girdle’ inside and out, and an overhang which will prevent animals (such as feral cats) from scaling it and threatening these vulnerable animals.

This was a challenging - but rewarding! - project for all the volunteers involved. Due to summer heat in this area, the teams started at sunrise to beat the heat and finish activities before the hottest part of the day. The project site is 600 kilometres west of Brisbane so the teams went out on 10-day trips because of the distance involved. All the volunteers were proud to be part of it, knowing their efforts as Conservation Volunteers will help improve the survival chances of one of Australia’s unique endangered species.