Wombat Awareness Organisation

We have donated 10 acres of wombat habitat for the Portee Station Conservation Reserve, for the protection and conservation of the Southern Hairy Nosed Wombat.

The Wombat Awareness Organisation (WAO) is a non profit organisation specialising in large scale rescue and rehabilitation of the Southern Hairy Nosed Wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons).

Our mission of wombat protection includes conservation and protection of fragmented populations, developing new co-existence plans for landowners, lobbying for tougher regulations on culling and undertaking research into public opinion, population status, human impact and a Murraylands Mange Management Program. We work in conjunction with the Wombat Protection Society of Australia and the Bob Irwin Wildlife Fund who support our aim; to revolutionise the perception of wombats, promoting welfare and conservation of the species.  

Portee Station is a large parcel of land with extreme potential for furthering conservation of the Southern Hairy Nosed Wombat and a multitude of other wildlife species including 133 species of birds. Its significance is not only its size and habitants but its connection to the established sanctuaries: Moorunde Wildlife Reserve; Brookfield Conservation Park; and Yookamurra Sanctuary thus creating a perpetual refuge which will conserve numerous species of wildlife, the key being the Southern Hairy Nosed Wombat.

The difference between this conservation reserve and all others is that not just the habitat will be protected. The research to be undertaken will not just benefit resident wombats but relief will be offered to residing wombats. Just a few of the non-invasive research and relief projects that will be conducted are:

• In times of drought, water and food will be offered. As yet there has not been a definate method of drought relief as wombats do    not readily accept supplementation.
• In times of mange outbreaks resident wombats will be cared for as wide scale non invasive treatment methods are explored,    determined and implemented.
• Crops will be planted to determine wombat preferences to aid farmers in crop selection.
• Relief facilities for the return of rehabilitated wombats will always be available.
• Onsite research into natural 'burrow deterrents' will save the lives of thousands of wombats destined for culling
• Rescue and rehabilitation of resident wombats and protection of their burrows ensure a safe return

To help protect the Southern Hairy Nosed Wombat, please visit WAO.