[Greens-Media] Wombats Fate Remains Unresolved

[Franks, Office]

SA Greens' Animal Welfare Spokesperson Tammy Franks has again raised concerns over the fate of South Australia's faunal emblem, the Southern Hairy Nose Wombat.  Unanswered questions from eighteen months ago concerning the plight of the wombats typify the Rann/Weatherill Government's approach that risks condemning the Murraylands population of wombats to localised extinction.

"The iconic Southern Hairy Nose Wombat population in the state's Murraylands has suffered dramatic reductions over the last few years - possibly up to 70-80 per cent from a previously unknown liver disease, lack of food and from legal and illegal culling," Ms Franks said.

"The Rann/Weatherill State Government's unwillingness or inability to take the urgent action required to ensure the ongoing survival of these wombats is of major concern. The combined pressures of disease, culling and food shortages and the Government's failure to respond accordingly mean these wombats remain at risk of becoming extinct locally.

"Questions I asked eighteen months ago about the-then mystery liver disease afflicting our wombats remain unanswered, despite written promises to respond some four months ago.  Further questions I've asked today about wombat culling have highlighted that the Government-issued destruction permits may actually be counter-productive and worsen damage to farmlands.

"Most South Australians would be concerned about the worrying wait on action to guarantee the long term survival of our wombats. I can only hope that the new Minister will act as a matter of urgency to resolve the outstanding questions and institute an action plan working with experienced and dedicated local groups such as the Wombat Awareness Organisation to save our faunal emblem, lest it go the way of its endangered Northern cousin," Ms Franks concluded.

Media enquiries: Lauren Zwaans on 0457 549 938

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