Observations on the mortality of young southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons) in the Murraylands of South Australia.

There are very few reports on mortality of young southern hairy-nosed wombats. We describe the appearance of six young wombats that died when rainfall was well below average in 2017-19. Some of the wombats appeared malnourished, and most died around the age of weaning, which we conclude is a vulnerable time for them. A crude and lower estimate of the mortality of wombats born in 2016 was 31%. There are very few reports on mortality of young southern hairy-nosed wombats. We describe the appearance of six young wombats that died when rainfall was well below average in late 2017-19. Most of the wombats appeared malnourished and died around the age of weaning, which we conclude is a vulnerable time for them, especially during droughts. A crude and lower estimate of mortality of wombats born in 2016 was 31%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]