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Species Nomination 2014 - Southern Hairy-Nosed Wombat of 13

Threatened Species Nomination Formfor amending the list of threatened species under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)

2014/15 Assessment PeriodThe purpose of this form is to provide a nomination to the Threatened Species Scientific Committee (the Committee) for assessment of a non EPBC Act listed species/subspecies for inclusion on the list of threatened species or to nominate a species/subspecies for reassessment for consideration for listing in another category of threat.

For a non-EPBC Act listed species to be eligible for listing as a threatened species it must be assessed as meeting at least one of the five criteria for listing. For a species already listed as threatened under the EPBC Act to be eligible for listing in a higher or lower category of threat it must be assessed as meeting at least one of the five criteria for a particular indicative threshold. For example, for a species listed as endangered to be found eligible for listing as critically endangered, it must meet the critically endangered indicative thresholds for at least one of the listing criteria.

If there is insufficient information to enable details to be provided because of a lack of scientific data or analysis please include any information that is available or provide a statement next to the relevant question identifying that the data or analysis is not available. Please provide references in your nomination to support information provided.

If you are nominating a species for removal from the list please complete the nomination form to delist a species.

The Committee recognises that completing a nomination form is demanding as a result of the information required by the Committee to undertake an assessment to determine the eligibility for listing. Nominators are encouraged to seek expert advice where appropriate to assist in the completion of the nomination form.

Important notes for completing this form

Please complete the form as comprehensively as possible – it is important for the Committee to have as much information as possible, and the best case on which to judge a species’ eligibility against the EPBC Act criteria for listing.

Certain information in this nomination is required to be provided by Division 7.2 EPBC Regulations 2000 (www.environment.gov.au/epbc/about/index.html). Nominations that do not meet the EPBC Regulations can not be provided to the Committee for consideration. All required questions are included in this nominations form. If information to answer any of the questions in this form is NOT available please state this in your answer as this is sufficient to meet the requirements of the EPBC Regulations.

Reference all information and facts, both in the text and in a reference list at the end of the form. The opinion of appropriate scientific experts may be cited as personal communication, with their

approval, in support of your nomination. Please provide the name of the experts, their qualifications and contact details (including employment in a state agency, if relevant) in the reference list at the end of the form.

If the species is considered to be affected by climate change, please refer to the Guidelines for assessing climate change as a threat to native species (Attachment B; Part B2).

Identify any confidential material and explain the sensitivity. Note that the information in the nomination (but excluding any information specifically requested by

you to remain confidential) will be made available to the public and experts for comment. However, your details as nominator will not be released, and will remain confidential.

Figures, tables and maps can be included at the end of the form or prepared as separate electronic or hardcopy documents (referred to as appendices or attachments in your nomination).

Cross-reference relevant areas of the nomination form where needed.Note – Further detail to help you complete this form is provided at Attachment A.

If using this form in Microsoft Word, you can jump to this information by Ctrl+clicking the hyperlinks (in blue text).

http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/about/index.html

http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/pubs/delisting-nomination-form.doc


Details of Nominated Species or Subspecies

1. N A M E O F N O M I N AT ED S P ECIES (OR SU B S P ECIES) Scientific name: Lasiorhinus latifronsCommon name(s): Southern hairy-nosed wombat

2. CU RR ENT L IST I NG C A T E G O R Y What category is the species currently listed in under the EPBC Act? (If you are nominating the species for removal from the list, please complete the n o m i n a t ion f orm f or r em o v al f r o m th e l i s t ).

Not Listed Extinct Extinct in the wild Critically EndangeredEndangered Vulnerable Conservation dependent

3. 2013–2014 CONSERVATION THEMEIs the current conservation theme ‘terrestrial and marine flora and fauna that would benefit from national listing’relevant to this nomination? If so, briefly explain how.Yes. Despite being listed as Endangered under the New South Wales Threatened Species Conservation Act, 1995 (TSCAct), the southern hairy-nosed wombat occurs predominantly in South Australia as well as in Western Australia (Shimmin et al. 2002; IUCN 2013). A national listing under the EPBC Act would therefore ensure the full extent of the species is considered where appropriate, and more effectively address population decline.

Species Information

4. TA XO N O M Y Provide any relevant detail on the species' taxonomy (e.g. authors of taxon or naming authority, year and reference;synonyms; Family and Order).

Species authority: Owen, 1845Family: VombatidaeOrder: Diprotodontia

5. CONVENTIONALLY ACCEPTEDIs the species conventionally accepted? If the species' taxonomy is NOT conventionally accepted, then please provide the following information required by the EPBC Regulations 2000:

a taxonomic description of the species in a form suitable for publication in conventional scientific literature;OR

evidence that a scientific institution has a specimen of the species, and a written statement signed by a person who is a taxonomist and has relevant expertise (has worked with, or is a published author on, the class of species nominated), that the species is considered to be a new species.

Yes, the southern hairy-nosed wombat is a conventionally accepted species.

6. DESCRIPTIONProvide a description of the species including where relevant, distinguishing features, size and social structureHow distinct is this species in its appearance from other species? How likely is it to be misidentified?The Southern hairy-nosed wombat is a large (19-36 kg), mostly nocturnal, herbivorous, fossorial marsupial, and one of the world's largest burrowing herbivores. It is found in semi-arid areas of grassland, open plains, shrublands, savanna, and open woodland (IUCN 2013), in areas with soil structure and substrate conducive to warren architecture (Shimmin et al. 2002) and which provides reliable grazing (Wells 1978a).

Although similar in appearance to the northern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus krefftii), the southern hairy-nosed wombat is smaller (average weight of 26 kg as compared to 32 kg for L. krefftii) and is geographically separated from its northern relative.


7. DISTRIBUTI O N Provide a succinct overview of the species’ known or estimated current and past distribution, including international/national distribution. Provide a map if available.

Is the species protected within the reserve system (e.g. national parks, Indigenous Protected Areas, or other conservation estates, private land covenants, etc.)? If so, which populations? Which reserves are actively managed for this species? Give details.The Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat is endemic to Australia. It is patchily distributed throughout southern South Australia, in the Murraylands west of the Murray River, on the Yorke Peninsula and Eyre Peninsula; also present across the Nullarbor Plain into Western Australia (Shimmin et al. 2002; IUCN 2013). In addition, are two colonies in NewSouth Wales in the south-western corner between the Anabranch and the South Australian border (New South WalesScientific Committee 1997; IUCN 2013). Much of the species current range is in pastoral lands (Taggart and Temple- Smith 2008).

Figure 1 (see Appendix) shows the known national distribution of the southern hairy-nosed wombat. An interactive version of this map is available at h t tp : / / m a p s .i u c n r e d l i s t. o rg/ m a p . h tm l ? i d = 4 0555 (accessed March 2014).

The following estimates of population number were published on IUCN's Red List (2013) with the exception of those for Yorke Peninsula which are from Sparrow (2009).

Nullarbor Plain Most abundant in this region Estimates of between 50,000 and 100,000 in the South Australia portion. No population estimates for the Western Australia portion.

Murraylands Estimates of 10,000 – 15,000 individuals.

Eyre Peninsula Fragmented, remnant populations. Eyre Peninsula populations include: Gawler Ranges with about 10,000 individuals (but this estimate is about

25 years old); Lake Everard with around 100 – 1,000; Elliston with approximately 3,000; and Kellidie Bay withabout 100 individuals.

There is an introduced population on Wedge Island of around 100 individuals.

Yorke Peninsula Highly fragmented, remnant populations. 696 wombats, spread over 25 colonies (estimated using a conversion factor (0.43 wombats per active burrow

and 2523 active wombat burrows). Only 3 of the 25 colonies have >100 individuals (Urania with 272, Kulpara with 146, and Point Pearce with 135

individuals). 19 colonies with <10 individuals.

The nominator is unaware of the extent the southern hairy-nosed wombat is protected within reserve system.

8. BI O L O GY/ E C O L O GY Provide a summary of biological and ecological information.

Include information required by the EPBC Regulations 2000 on: life cycle including age at sexual maturity, life expectancy, natural mortality rates specific biological characteristics habitat requirements for the species for Fauna: feeding behaviour and food preference and daily seasonal movement patterns for Flora: pollination and seed dispersal patterns

The southern hairy-nosed wombat becomes sexually mature at about 3 years of age and longevity is at least 15 yearsin the wild (Taggart and Temple-Smith 2008). Males are polygynous; however, females are thought to be monogamous(Taggart and Temple-Smith 2008). The species has a low reproductive rate, both in the wild and within captivity(Hogan et al. 2010).

Southern hairy-nosed wombats have a distinct breeding period between July and December, with most births


occurring in October (Gaughwin et al. 1998). Breeding coincides with the germination and growth of native pasturebut not with non-native plants (Wells 1995). Under ideal conditions, wild female L. latifrons generally produce only oneoffspring every two years (Gaughwin et al. 1998; Taggart and Temple-Smith 2008). However, in drought years reproduction may cease until rainfall and pasture growth improves (Gaughwin et al. 1998 ; Taggart and Temple-Smith2008). The young remains in the pouch for six to nine months and is weaned at 11–13 months of age (Taggart et al.2007).

During the breeding season, southern hairy-nosed wombat males undergo distinct seasonal changes in body weight, semen quality, testicular and accessory gland weight, and androgen concentration (Taggart et al. 1998, Taggart et al.2005). Male reproductive function peaks in August–September and is followed by a marked decline in November (Taggart et al. 2005). Females are polyestrous, exhibiting at least to 2–3 cycles per breeding season (Hogan et al. 2010). However, females are only receptive to intromission for a short period and a male may spend up to seven dayscourting, mating and guarding a single oestrus female (Hogan et al. 2010; Hogan et al. 2013).

Southern hairy-nosed wombats are strict herbivores and are hindgut fermenters (Treby 2005). The diet of all consists perennial native grasses (especially Austrostipa spp. and Austrodanthonia spp.), often of low nutritive value (Treby2005; Camp 2013). However, during severe drought, the diet is extended to include more forbs and dicots (grassland habitats) and more woody shrubs (bluebush shrubland and mallee woodland habitats) (Treby 2005). When foraging, the southern hairy-nosed wombat grazes closely in a circular pattern around its warren. The diameter of each circle increases as wombats graze further from the warren, forming concentric circles of regrowth at different heights (Wells1978a).

Southern hairy-nosed wombats live in colonies within extensive burrow systems, with each warren containing several animals and a preference for one or two particular warrens (Finlayson et al. 2005, Taggart and Temple-Smith 2008). In contrast to most mammals, males are philopatric while females disperse, with dispersal occurring either before orafter females breed (Walker et al. 2007; Walker et al. 2008b). Therefore, in any warren, males are more likely to have been born locally, while females are more likely to have immigrated.

Female bias in dispersal in Southern hairy-nosed wombats is suggested by spatial genetic structure, assignment tests, parentage data, and pairwise relatedness with respect to burrow–sharing and association (Walker et al. 2008b). Males preferentially share burrows and warrens with close relatives in associations lasting for years whereas females associate less with close female relatives and do not form matrilineal groupings (Walker et al. 2008b).

The social organisation and relatedness structure of Southern hairy-nosed wombats is affected by the soil type in which burrows and warrens are dug. In the Murraylands of South Australia, a hard calcrete layer close to the surface appears to represent a constraint against digging by wombats, causing an increase in warren and group size (Walker et al. 2007). Conversely, in the friable substrates of the Nullarbor, warrens are less clumped and group sizes smaller. However, despite substrate and population density differences between the Murraylands and Nullarbor populations, several features remained in common: female-biased dispersal, female demographic bias, absence of a sex difference in warren and space-use, warren-sharing by parent–offspring and by previously mated pairs (Walker et al. 2006; Walker et al. 2007).

Both captive and free-ranging southern hairy-nosed wombats are nocturnal, and exhibit a daily activity pattern characterised by a strong circadian cycle (Hogan et al. 2009; Hogan et al. 2011). They spend 66-75% of their time underground, and have exceptionally small home ranges centred around their warrens (Finlayson et al. 2005; Hogan et al. 2011). They do not seem to modify their ranging behaviour during periods when food quality is poor and in low abundance (Finlayson et al. 2005).

The southern hairy-nosed wombat lives predominantly in a semiarid environment where water conservation is the key to survival (Shimmin et al. 2002). For their size, these wombats have a low basal metabolic rate, they do not sweat or pant to dissipate heat, and are slow to respond physically to changing ambient temperature. At air temperaturesabove 25 degrees C, a wombat’s ability to regulate its body temperature diminishes with hyperthermia occurring when air temperatures exceed 30 degrees C (Wells 1978b).

As a result, southern hairy-nosed wombats are dependent primarily on behavioural adaptations to facilitate thermoregulation, much of which which is centred on the warren environment (Wells 1978b). At peak surface temperatures, the internal temperature inside a tunnel is around15 degrees C cooler than ambient temperatures (Shimmin et al. 2002). Tunnel conditions range between 13 degrees C and 25 degrees C over the course of a year - well within the wombat's thermal-neutral zone (Shimmin et al. 2002).

Southern hairy-nosed wombats only seem to come close to the surface when the outside temperature suits them. Wells (1978b) noted that a wombat might be found in an antechamber close to its burrow entrance at different times depending on daily temperature - well after nightfall on extremely hot days, by 1100-1200 on warm days in autumn


and winter, and late afternoon at other times. In addition, burrows and tunnels have elevated humidity which would significantly reduce respiratory water loss and aid water conservation (Shimmin et al. 2002).

For all fossorial species, burrows provide a stable microclimate with regard to light, temperature and humidity, helping to reduce an animals dependence on water and energy reserves for thermoregulation (Kinlaw 2006). While southern hairy-nosed wombats exhibit other behavioural energy and water conservation strategies, such as nocturnal feeding, reduced feeding bouts and longer periods of inactivity during summer (Wells and Green 1998; Hogan et al. 2009), their intensive use of warrens emphasises the importance of their warrens for energy conservation. Finlayson et al. (2005) have suggested that maintaining a conservative home range around preferred warrens is an effective strategy which enables survival, particularly through drier months of the year, in a semi-arid and unpredictable environment. Needing to forage over a larger range may represent high and possibly untenable energy costs for this species.

9. INDIGENOUS CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCEIs the species known to have cultural significance for Indigenous groups within Australia? If so, to which groups? Provide information on the nature of this significance if publicly available.Southern hairy-nosed wombats are associated with lands where traditional Aboriginal communities have lived for thousands of years. They are valued by Aboriginal people both as a food source and as an important part of their culture (Davies 1998). For these indigenous communities, wombats are seen as having always been a part of the land, even before the arrival of the Aboriginal people, and Aboriginal hunters avoid hunting on the land they own in order to preserve their local wombat populations (Davies 1998). Southern Hairy-nosed wombats are called wardu in the Wirangu language of the Eyre Peninsula Aborigines (h t tp : / / w w w . s co td e s co.c o m ).

Wombats in general feature in traditional Aboriginal dreaming stories, for example, the story of Mirram and Wareen (Roberts and Mountford 1974), or the Milky Way creation tale of Wej, Jooteetch and Wardu (Ker Wilson 1972). Wombats also feature in Aboriginal art (e.g. Trevor 'Turbo' Brown: Three Wombats, National Gallery of Australia). The Scotdesco (Tjilkaba) community in the northwest corner of the Eyre Peninsula have also built a 'big' wombat in honour of the southern hairy-nosed wombat (h t tp : / / ww w . s co td e s co.c o m / T h e B igWom b a t . h t m ).

Threats

10. KN OW N T H R EA TS Identify any KNOWN threats to the species, and state clearly whether these are past, current or future threats and whether the threats are actual or potential. .

NB – CLIMATE CHANGE AS A THREAT. If climate change is an important threat to the nominated species it is important that you provide referenced information on exactly how climate change might significantly increase the nominated species’ vulnerability to extinction. For guidance refer to the Guidelines for assessing climate change as a threat to native species (At t a c h me n t B; P art B 2 ).Known threats to the southern hairy-nosed wombat include: sarcoptic mange; drought; and habitat loss(fragmentation, degradation and resource depletion).

11. IMPACT OF THE THREATSIdentify how the species is affected by the threats.SARCOPTIC MANGESarcoptic mange, a disease of mammals caused by infestation by a sub macroscopic burrowing mite Sarcoptes scabiei (Acari: Sarcoptidae), is prevalent in humans, domestic animals, and has spilled over to wildlife species such as foxes and wombats (Daszak et al. 2000; Pence and Ueckermann 2002). The mite consumes living cells and tissue fluid, causing severe health issues such as anemia, bacterial infections in organs, alopecia, secondary infections in skin fissures, and liver cirrhosis in affected individuals (Pence and Ueckermann 2002; Ruykys et al. 2013). Both common and southern hairy-nosed wombats with severe sarcoptic mange exhibit restricted movement, vision and hearing (Skerratt 2005). Diseased southern hairy-nosed wombat individuals have been observed to take less heed of their surroundings, and to feed during daylight hours rather than at night, making them more vulnerable to predators or heat stress ( Ruykys et al.2009).

Remnant, fragmented or genetically compromised populations of endangered species world-wide are less able to tolerate even low levels of sarcoptic mange, and the disease can have a devastating effect (Pence and Ueckermann2002). In Southern Europe, sarcoptic mange is the most common cause of mortality in small fragmented populations of highly endangered species such as chamois, Iberian Ibex and European mouflon (Pence and Ueckermann 2002). Also mange is more prevalent during times of environmental stress, such as drought or winter, in a number of species


including common wombats (Pence and Ueckermann 2002).


Sarcoptic mange is a major threat for southern hairy-nosed wombat (Pence and Ueckermann 2002; Davidson et al.2012, IUCN 2013) especially given the species' patchy and ecologically restricted distribution. In populations in the Murraylands, South Australia, severely diseased adult wombats were visibly emaciated, with protruding hipbones, scapulae and vertebrae, and had an average bodyweight 9.86 kg lower than those without mange (Ruykys et al. 2009). At present, mange outbreaks only occur sporadically in southern hairy-nosed wombat populations, yet mortality can be extremely high, with around 80-90% of affected groups dying from the disease (Ruykys et al. 2009; IUCN 2013).

Reproductive failure is common in a range of mange-infected species (e.g. coyotes: Pence and Windberg 1994; common wombats: Skerratt et al. 1999). Ruykys et al. (2009) found that reproductive physiology of both adult male and female southern hairy-nosed wombats with severe mange suggested that neither were in a reproductive state. Healthy adult males had a prominent scrotum and healthy adult females had deep, moist pouches. In comparison, mange-affected males had a less prominent, more abdominal scrotum while mange-affected females had dirty, thin- walled, shallow pouches, indicative of anoestrus.

Southern hairy-nosed wombats are already impacted by habitat loss and fragmentation, persecution by farmers, and vehicle collisions, and are more susceptible to the disease in times of drought (Ruykys et al. 2009). In the Murraylands of South Australia, the population has declined by about 70 percent since 2002, most likely due to a combination drought and sarcoptic mange (IUCN 2013). Any further stressors, such increases in habitat loss and fragmentation, or any effects from climate change, may mean that outbreaks of this disease are likely to tip the balance in the decline and/or possible extinction of many populations of the southern hairy-nosed wombat.

DROUGHTDrought has a significant impact on successful reproduction for southern hairy-nosed wombats (IUCN 2013). Indrought years, reproduction may cease completely, and three consecutive years of ample rainfall are needed for there to be an increase in a population (Taggart and Temple-Smith 2008). In addition, suitable forage quality is poor and in low abundance during drought and the southern hairy-nosed wombat seems to lack the flexibility to modify its ranging behaviour during these periods (Finlayson et al. 2005). This may be due to its high reliance on behavioural adaptations to reduce the use of its water and energy reserves for thermoregulation. Traits such as maintaining a conservative home range around preferred warrens, foraging nocturnally, and reducing time spent foraging in hot weather (Wells and Green 1998; Finlayson et al. 2005; Hogan et al. 2009) currently seem adaptive, or at least not detrimental. However, should periods of drought increase over the coming decades, such behavioural adaptations may be insufficient or inappropriate, leading to reduced survival for the species.

HABITAT LOSS AND FRAGMENTATIONThe range of the southern hairy-nosed wombat has declined dramatically through past conversion of suitable habitat to agricultural land (Taggart and Temple-Smith 2008). Although mostly a historic threat, the major consequence of clearing is a marked fragmentation of remnant subpopulations, with many now isolated subpopulations small and possibly non-viable (Sparrow 2009).

Habitat fragmentation has been found to alter dispersal and within-population processes in an isolated, high density population of southern hairy-nosed wombats at Kulpara, South Australia (Walker et al. 2008a). In this population, females no longer disperse, female relatives (primarily parent-offspring pairs) preferentially share burrows and warrens, and inbreeding avoidance appears to be stronger than in less isolated populations (Walker et al. 2008a). While these behavioural strategies may avoid inbreeding depression in the short term, continued isolation and inhibition of dispersal will decrease an individuals ability to avoid inbreeding, leaving only the choice to mate with kin or not mate at all (Tainaka and Itoh 1996).

HABITAT DEGRADATION AND RESOURCE DEPLETIONHabitat degradation and resource depletion has already occurred as a result of actions by livestock and feral herbivores; for example, understorey plant species composition has changed due to impacts of rabbits and livestock (Taggart and Temple-Smith 2008). Farming and other human activities have introduced non-native plants into the habitat and these compete with the native perennial native grasses essential to the wombats diet. The southern hairy- nosed wombat breeding season may not coincide with the germination and growth of these introduced plants, which would lead to a lack of forage for young wombats and their possible starvation (Wells 1995).

In addition, the southern hairy-nosed wombat is currently threatened by direct competition for grazing with domestic stock and introduced rabbits (Taggart and Temple-Smith 2008). A plant DNA analysis of scats from the adult population in the Murraylands found that a lack of native pasture had lead to the consumption of plants containing alkaloid poisons. In particular, autopsied stomach and gut samples from animals found already dead, revealed the presence of Heliotropium europaeum, a plant that has cumulative and irreversible toxicity effects even at low levels (Camp 2013). It is probably that diet is contributing to the decline of this native wombat population.


12. T H R E A T A B A T EMENT Give an overview of recovery and threat abatement/mitigation actions that are underway and/or proposed.SARCOPTIC MANGESarcoptic mange can be treated in wild populations of animals using the avermectin drugs, ivermectin in particular.Treatment relies on being able to capture the affected individual, and for social species and those animals that share living quarters, the treatment must extend to the entire group (Pence and Ueckermann 2002).

In southern hairy-nosed wombats, a preliminary trial found that while a single dose of ivermectin was successful in treating mild, moderate, and severe mange in captive populations, its efficacy was limited to mild cases in wild animals (Ruykys et al. 2013). However, the recapture rate of the wild animals in this study was very small (only two of the seven animals treated). In addition, the captive population were maintained in a controlled environment where they were not consistently re-exposed to mites, and where food and water were ad libitum.

Treatment of southern hairy-nosed wombats with ivermectin needs to be approached with caution as safe dosage levels have not yet been established. Some neurologic effects have been reported in commonwombats treated at the dose recommended for domestic animals (Skerratt 2001). It may be possible to combine treatments (for example, ivermectin with a topical, pour-on acaricide) but again, there is apossibility of adverse drug interactions (Skerratt 2001). It is also possible to treat sarcoptic mange by washing theanimals with an insecticide (Ruykys et al. 2009); however, this option is only viable when managing single animals(Ruykys et al. 2013).

Given that treatment of an individual is not likely to be fully effective unless its burrow mates are also treated (Pence and Ueckermann 2002), and that safe dosage levels, efficacy of known treatments on wild populations are not yet established, there is currently no reliable abatement strategy for this threat.

DROUGHTThe nominator is not aware of any abatement strategy for drought.

HABITAT LOSS AND FRAGMENTATIONThe nominator is not aware of any current abatement strategy for habitat loss and fragmentation.

HABITAT DEGRADATION AND RESOURCE DEPLETIONThe nominator is not aware of any current abatement strategy for habitat degradation and resource depletion.


Eligibility against the criteriaTo be considered eligible for listing a species must be eligible for at least o n e of Criteria 1-5 (Q18-22). The species d o e s n ot have to be found eligible for all Criteria and information is n ot required for all criteria if unavailable, however an a n swe r to a ll que s ti on s must be provided, if data/information is unavailable a statement to this effect is required

13. CRI T ERI O N 1 Reduction in numbers (based on any of A1 – A4)

A1. An observed, estimated, inferred or suspected population very severe 90%, severe 70% substantial 50% size reduction over the last 10 years or three generations, whichever is the longer, where the causes of the reduction are clearly reversible AND understood AND ceased, based on (and specifying) any of the following:(a) direct observation(b) an index of abundance appropriate to the taxon(c) a decline in area of occupancy, extent of occurrence and/or quality of habitat(d) actual or potential levels of exploitation(e) the effects of introduced taxa, hybridization, pathogens, pollutants, competitors or parasites.

A2. An observed, estimated, inferred or suspected population very severe 80%, severe 50% substantial 30%size reduction over the last 10 years or three generations, whichever is the longer, where the reduction or its causes may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible, based on (and specifying) any of (a) to (e) under A1.

A3. A population size reduction very severe 80%, severe 50% substantial 30%, projected or suspected to be met within the next 10 years or three generations, whichever is the longer (up to a maximum of 100 years), based on (and specifying) any of (b) to (e) under A1.

A4. An observed, estimated, inferred, projected or suspected population size reduction very severe 80%, severe50% substantial 30%over any 10 year or three generation period, whichever is longer (up to a maximum of 100 years in the future), where the time period must include both the past and the future, and where the reductionor its causes may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible, based on (and specifying) any of (a) to (e) under A1.

The southern hairy-nosed wombat has declined historically in population size, number of subpopulations and area of occupancy. Both Taggart and Robinson (2008) and Hogan et al. (2010) report decline in the species, and its habitat has reduced in both size and quality through past conversion of suitable habitat to agricultural land (Taggart and Temple- Smith 2008). There is a marked fragmentation of remnant subpopulations, with many now isolated subpopulations consisting of small (< 100 individuals) and possibly non-viable colonies (Sparrow 2009).

There is limited information on population trends, especially for the large Nullarbor subpopulations, but estimates for the Murraylands, South Australia from 2002 to 2008 suggest a 70% decline (Taggart and Robinson 2008). Mortality from outbreaks of sarcoptic mange as been reported at around 80-90% of affected populations (Ruykys et al. 2009; IUCN 2013). No recovery rate has been reported for populations affected by mange, but given the species low rate of recruitment, this is likely to be very slow or not at all.

Livestock and feral herbivores such as rabbits have impacted adversely on southern hairy-nosed wombat habitat through direct competition for grazing, and by changing understorey plant species composition (Taggart and Temple- Smith 2008). In addition, farming and other human activities have introduced non-native plants into the habitat which compete with the native perennial native grasses essential to the wombats' diet (Camp 2013). A recent study found that the Murraylands population had been consuming plants containing alkaloid poisons. Heliotropium europaeum, a plant with cumulative and irreversible toxicity effects even at low levels of consumption, was detected in the stomach and gut samples from animals found already dead (Camp 2013). In addition, southern hairy-nosed wombat breeding may not coincide with the germination and growth of any non-toxic introduced plants, leading to a lack of forage for young wombats and their possible starvation (Wells 1995).

Taggart and Robinson (2008) have suggested that the range of the southern hairy-nosed wombat may have expanded in the last 45 years; however, there is no subsequent trend toward population growth despite any such expansion of range. It is possible that wombats have expanded their range in order to find forage plants whose germination and growth coincides with the species' breeding season and which will provide suitable forage for adults.


14. CRITERION 2: Geographic distribution (based on ei th e r of B1 or B2)B1. E xten t of o ccurren ce estimated to be very restricted <100 km

2, restricted <5000 km

2 or limited < 20 000 km

2

B2. Ar e a of o ccu p a n cy estimated to be very restricted <10 km2, restricted <500 km

2 or limited <2000 km

2

ANDGeographic distribution is p r e cari ou s for the survival of the species, (based on at least two of a–c)

a. Severely fragmented or known to exist at a limited location.b. Continuing decline, observed, inferred or projected, in any of the following:

(i) extent of occurrence(ii) area of occupancy(iii) area, extent and/or quality of habitat (iv) number of locations or subpopulations (v) number of mature individuals.

c. Extreme fluctuations in any of the following:(i) extent of occurrence(ii) area of occupancy(iii) number of locations or subpopulations(iv) number of mature individuals

The nominator estimates that the area of occupancy of southern hairy-nosed wombats is <2,000km2 and therefore considered limited. However, due to a lack of data this has not been accurately determined. The species is severely fragmented and known to exist at limited locations (IUCN 2013).

15. CRITERION 3The estimated total nu m b e r of mature individuals is very low <250, low <2500 or limited<10 000;

and either of (A) or (B) is trueA) evidence suggests that the number will continue to decline at a very high (25% in 3 years or 1 generation (up to

100 years), whichever is longer), high (20% in 5 years or 2 generations(up to 100 years), whichever is longer) or substantial (10% in 10 years or 3 generations years), whichever is longer(up to 100) rate; or

(B) the number is likely to continue to decline and its geographic distribution is p r e cari o u s for its survival (based on at least two of a – c):

a. Severely fragmented or known to exist at a limited location.b. Continuing decline, observed, inferred or projected, in any of the following:

(i) extent of occurrence(ii) area of occupancy(iii) area, extent and/or quality of habitat(iv) number of locations or subpopulations(v) number of mature individuals.

c. Extreme fluctuations in any of the following: (i) extent of occurrence(ii) area of occupancy(iii) number of locations or subpopulations(iv) number of mature individuals

It is the opinion of the nominator that the southern hairy-nosed wombat is not eligible for a threatened listing under this criterion due to more than 10,000 mature individuals existing.

16. CRI T ERI O N 4 : Estimated total number of mature individuals(a) Extremely low < 50 (b) Very low < 250(c) Low < 1000

It is the opinion of the nominator that the southern hairy-nosed wombat is not eligible for a threatened listing under this criterion due to more than 1,000 mature individuals existing.


17. CRI T ERI O N 5 : Probability of extinction in the wild based on quantitative analysis is at least(a) 50% in the immediate future, 10 years or three generations (whichever is longer); or(b) 20% in the near future, 20 year or five generations (whichever is longer); or(c) 10% in the medium-term future, within 100 years.

It is difficult to calculate probability of extinction on a species whose population trends are unknown. What is knownhowever is that the coming years will present the southern hairy-nosed wombat with at least three substantial threats.

1. Sarcoptic mange leading to death and/or reduction in breeding (Ruykys et al. 2009)2. Continued habitat degradation and resource depletion from the effects of introduced animal and plant

species (Taggart and Temple-Smith 2008) leading to detrimental dietary challenges for both juvenile and adult wombats (Wells 1995; Camp 2013)

3. Possibility of increased drought due to climate change with subsequent reduction in successful breeding (Taggart and Temple-Smith 2008; IUCN 2013) and increase in stressors leading to sarcoptic mange (Pence and Ueckermann 2002)

Any of these three threats would likely result in the extinction of the small subpopulations on the Eyre and Yorke Peninsulas, and in New South Wales, which are already suffering the effects of fragmentation and reduced genetic diversity. A combination of these threats could result in the extinction of the Murraylands population, and lead to a severe reduction in numbers in the Nullarbor population, possibly producing a situation similar to that currently faced by the critically endangered northern hairy-nosed wombat, Lasiorhinus krefftii.

18. N O M IN A T E D C A T E G O R Y Note: after completing questions 16-20 sufficient evidence should be available to determine the category for listing. Refer to the indicative threshold criteria at At t ac h me n t B. It is the opinion of the nominator that the southern hairy-nosed wombat is eligible for listing as vulnerable due tomeeting the relevant thresholds of criterion 1, 2 and 5.

19. CRI T ERIA UNDER W HICH T HE S P E C IES IS ELI G IB L E F O R L IS T ING Please mark the boxes that apply by clicking them with your mouse.

Cr i terion 1

Cr i terion 2

Cr i terion 3

Cr i terion 4

Cr i terion 5

For co nse rvat i o n d e p e nd e n t nominations only:

A1 (specify at least one of the following) a) b) c) d) e); AND/OR A2 (specify at least one of the following) a) b) c) d) e); AND/OR A3 (specify at least one of the following) b) c) d) e); AND/ORA4 (specify at least one of the following) a) b) c) d) e)

A1 (specify at least two of the following) a) b) c); AND/ORA2 (specify at least two of the following) a) b) c)

A1; AND/ORA2 (specify at least two of the following) a) b) c)

Cr i terion 1 (refer to Q23 below) Cr i terion 2 (refer to Q 24below)

Reviewers and Further Information

20. REVIEWER(S)Has this nomination been peer-reviewed? Have relevant experts been consulted on this nomination? If so, please include their names, current professional positions and contact details.The research for this nomination was undertaken voluntarily by Dr Karen Bayley, prior to being reviewed and prepared for submission by Humane Society International staff.


21. FURTHER INFORMATIONIdentify relevant studies or management documentation that might relate to the species (e.g. research projects, national park management plans, recovery plans, conservation plans, threat abatement plans, etc.).No further relevant documents were identified during preparation of this nomination.

22. REFERENCE LISTPlease list key references/documentation you have referred to in your nomination.Camp, A. (2013). Southern hairy-nosed wombat diet reconstruction from scats using Next Generation Sequencing reveals toxic weed species. Masters Thesis, University of Adelaide.

Daszak, P, Cunningham, A.A., Hyatt, A.D. (2000). Emerging infectious diseases of wildlife – Threats to biodiversity and human health.Science 287, 443–449.

Davidson, A. D, Detling, J. K., and Brown, J. H. (2012) .Ecological roles and conservation challenges of social, burrowing, herbivorous mammals in the world’s grasslands. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 10, 477–486.

Davies, J. (1998). Who Owns the Animals? Sustainable Commercial use of Wildlife and Indigenous Rights in Australia. Presentation at "Crossing Boundaries", 7th annual conference of the International Association for the Study of Common Property, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, 10–14 June 1998.

Finlayson, G. R., Shimmin, G. A., Temple-Smith, P. D., Handasyde, K. A., and Taggart, D. A. (2005). Burrow use and ranging behaviour of the southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) in the Murraylands, South Australia. Journal of the Zoological Society of London, 265, 189-200.

Gaughwin, M. D., Breed, W. G., and Wells, R. T. (1998). Seasonal reproduction in a population of southern hairy-nosed wombats Lasiorhinus latifrons in the Blanchetown region of South Australia. In ‘Wombats’ (Eds. R. T. Wells and P. A. Pridmore). pp. 109–112. (Surrey Beatty & Sons: Chipping Norton.)

Hogan, L. A., Johnston, S. D., Lisle, A. T., Horsup, A. B., Janssen, T., and Phillips, C. J. C. (2011). The effect of environmental variables on the activity patterns of the southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) in captivity: onset, duration and cessation of activity. Australian Journal of Zoology, 59, 35-41.

Hogan, L. A., Phillips, C. J., Lisle, A., Horsup, A. B., Janssen, T., and Johnston, S. D. (2009). Remote monitoring of the behaviour and activity of captive southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons). Australian Mammalogy, 31, 123-135.

Hogan, L., Phillips, C., Janssen, T. and Johnston, S. (2013). Wombat reproduction (Marsupialia; Vombatidae): an update and future directions for the development of artificial breeding technology. Reproduction, 145, R157-R173.

Hogan, L., Phillips, C., Lisle, A., Horsup, A., Janssen, T. and Johnston, S. (2010). Reproductive behaviour of the southern-hairy nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons). Australian Journal of Zoology, 58, 350–361.

IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). 2013. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN.

Ker Wilson, B. (1972). 'Tales told to Kabbarli: Aboriginal legends collected by Daisy Bates'. Angus and Robertson, Australia.

Kinlaw, A. E. (2006) Burrows of semi-fossorial vertebrates in upland communities of Central Florida: their architecture, dispersion and ecological consequences. PhD Thesis, University of Florida.

New South Wales Scientific Committee. (1997) Southern hairy-nosed wombat – endangered species listing. http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/determinations/SouthernHairyNosedWombatEndSpListing.htm

Pence, D. B., and Ueckermann, E. (2002). Sarcoptic mange in wildlife. Revue Scientifique et Technique Office International desEpizooties, 21, 385–398.

Pence, D. B., and Windberg, L. A. (2004). Impact of a sarcoptic mange epizootic on a coyote population. Journal of WildlifeManagement, 58, 624–633.

Roberts, A. and Mountford, C. P. (1974) 'The Dreamtime Book'. Reader's Digest/Rigby, Sydney/Adelaide, Australia.

Ruykys, L., Taggart, D. A., Breed, W. G., and Schultz, D. (2009). Sarcoptic mange in southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons): distribution and prevalence in the Murraylands of South Australia. Australian Journal of Zoology, 57, 129-138.

Ruykys, L., Taggart, D. A., Breed, W. G., and Schultz, D. (2013) Effects and treatment of sarcoptic mange in southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons). Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 49, 312–320.

Shimmin, G. A., Skinner, J., & Baudinette, R. V. (2002). The warren architecture and environment of the southern hairy‐nosedwombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons). Journal of Zoology, 258, 469-477.


Skerratt, L. (2005). Sarcoptes scabiei: an important exotic pathogen of wombats. Microbiology Australia, 26, 79-81.

Skerratt LF. 2001. Sarcoptic mange in the common wombat, Vombatus ursinus (Shaw, 1800). PhD Thesis, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia, 290 pp.

Skerratt, L. F., Middleton, D., and Beveridge, I. (1999). Distribution of lifecycle stages of Sarcoptes scabiei var. wombati and effects of severe mange on common wombats in Victoria. Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 35, 633–646

Sparrow, E. (2009). The effect of habitat fragmentation and population isolation on the genetic diversity, reproductive status and population viability of the southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) in South Australia. Ph.D. thesis. The University of Adelaide.

St John, B. J. (1998). Management of southern hairy-nosed wombats Lasiorhinus latifrons in South Australia. In ‘Wombats’ (Eds. R. T. Wells and P. A. Pridmore). pp. 228-242. (Surrey Beatty & Sons: Chipping Norton.)

Tainaka, K., and Itoh, Y. (1996). Glass effect in inbreeding-avoidance systems — minimum viable population for outbreeders.Journal of the Physical Society of Japan, 65, 3379–3385.

Taggart, D. A., Finlayson, G. R., Shimmin, G., Gover, C., Dibben, R., White, C. R., Steele, V. and Temple-Smith, P. D. (2007). Growth and development of the southern hairy-nosed wombat, Lasiorhinus latifrons (Vombatidae). Australian Journal of Zoology, 55, 309-316.

Taggart, D. A., Shimmin, G. A., Ratcliff, J. R., Steele, V. R., Dibben, R., Dibben, J., .White, C. and Temple‐Smith, P. D. (2005). Seasonal changes in the testis, accessory glands and ejaculate characteristics of the southern hairy‐nosed wombat, Lasiorhinus latifrons (Marsupialia: Vombatidae). Journal of Zoology, 266, 95-104.

Taggart, D. A., Steele, V. R., Schultz, D., Dibben, R., Dibben, J. & Temple Smith, P. D. (1998). 'Semen collection and cryopreservation in the southern hairy-nosed wombat Lasiorhinus latifrons: implications for conservation of the northern hairy-nosed wombat Lasiorhinus krefftii. In ‘Wombats’ (Eds. R. T. Wells and P. A. Pridmore). pp. 180-191. (Surrey Beatty & Sons: Chipping Norton.)

Taggart, D.A. and Temple-Smith, P.D. (2008). Southern hairy-nosed wombat. In 'The Mammals of Australia'. (Eds. R. Strahan and S. van Dyck.) pp. 204-206. (Reed New Holland: Chatswood)

Treby, D. (2005). Southern Hairy-Nosed Wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) Husbandry Manual. Australasian Society of Zoo KeepingHusbandry Manual www.aszk.org.au/docs/shw_husbandry_manual.pdf

Walker, F. M., Sunnucks, P. and Taylor, A.C. (2008a). Evidence for habitat fragmentation altering within-population processes in wombats. Molecular Ecology, 17, 16741684.

Walker, F. M., Taylor, A. C., & Sunnucks, P. (2006). Genotyping of captured hairs reveals burrow-use and ranging behavior of southern hairy-nosed wombats. Journal of Mammalogy. 87, 690-699.

Walker, F. M., Taylor, A. C., & Sunnucks, P. (2007) Does soil type drive social organization in southern hairy‐nosed wombats?Molecular Ecology 16, 199-208.

Walker, F. M., Taylor, A. C., & Sunnucks, P. (2008b). Female dispersal and male kinship–based association in southern hairy‐nosedwombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons). Molecular Ecology, 17, 1361-1374.

Wells, R. T. (1995). Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat Lasiorhinus latifrons., In ‘The mammals of Australia’. (Ed. R. Strahan.) pp. 20-21. (Reed Books: Sydney.)

Wells, R. T. (1978a). Field observations of the hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons). Australian Wildlife Research, 5, 299–303.

Wells, R. T. (1978b). Thermoregulation and activity rhythms in the hairy- nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons). Australian Journal

ofZoology, 26, 639–651.

Wells, R. T. and Green, B. (1998). Aspects of water metabolism in the southern hairy-nosed wombat Lasiorhinus latifrons. In‘Wombats’ (Eds. R. T. Wells and P. A. Pridmore). pp. 61-66. (Surrey Beatty & Sons: Chipping Norton.)


23. IMAGES OF THE SPECIESPlease include images of the species if available. See cover sheet of this nomination.

24. APPENDIXPlease place here any figures, tables or maps that you have referred to within your nomination. Alternatively, you can provide them as an attachment.

Figure 1: Indicative distribution the southern hairy-nosed wombat (IUCN 2013) Further detail available at: h t t p : / / m a p s . i u c n r e d li s t.o r g/ m a p . h tml ? i d= 405 5 5

Nominator's Details

25. TITLE (e.g. Mr/Mrs/Dr/Professor/etc.)XXXX

26. FULL NAMEXXXX XXXX

27. ORGANISATION OR COMPANY NAME (IF APPLICABLE)XXXX

28. CONTACT DETAILSEmail: XXXXPhone: XXXXFax: XXXX

Postal address:XXXX XXXX

29. DECL A R AT I O N I declare that, to the best of my knowledge, the information in this nomination and its attachments is true and correct.

Signed: Date: 25/03/2014

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