I fell in love with wombats when I visited Australia in the 1980s. Despite their robust appearance, they are struggling to survive. Many have been infected by a foreign mite from foreign foxes, introduced for hunting by early English settlers of Australia. Scabby tissue forms over the wombats' eyes and ears, and infections occur, ultimately causing their death. They can literally scratch themselves to death. Let's hope the conservationists can help them...
"Aborigines seem to have mixed feelings about them, using stories to try to explain why they are nocturnal and live underground. Legends describe the wombat as boastful, sometimes wise, but also stubborn and selfish. But another Aboriginal legend tells of how wise the wombat can be. He comforts the other animals in the forest, after their friend, a cockatoo, has died, explaining to them all about forest spirits." http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-21161179
"Aborigines seem to have mixed feelings about them, using stories to try to explain why they are nocturnal and live underground. Legends describe the wombat as boastful, sometimes wise, but also stubborn and selfish. But another Aboriginal legend tells of how wise the wombat can be. He comforts the other animals in the forest, after their friend, a cockatoo, has died, explaining to them all about forest spirits." http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-21161179
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