As dusk falls over the wild, rugged Cradle Mountain landscape, placid yet sturdy bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus) begin to emerge from their burrows, quietly roaming and grazing the native grassland plains under fading light. Wildcare's Cradle Mountain Volunteers (WCMV) proudly partner with the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) at Cradle Mountain to help monitor and protect these iconic, mainly nocturnal
creatures.

Alongside regular working bees - where volunteers contribute to track maintenance, pruning, weeding, litter picking, and supporting visitors at the Visitor Centre - this special monthly commitment - surveying the local wombat population - is one of our most sought-after roles.

Wombat in Snow
Photo credit: James Stone (WCMV)

This important work supports PWS’s monitoring of the bare-nosed wombat at two high-visitor-traffic locations, one inside and one just outside the park, near its major entry point. A primary goal is to determine whether increasing visitor numbers are affecting these iconic native marsupials; however, volunteers also carefully observe wombats’ body condition and look for signs of sarcoptic mange. The data collected feeds into the Wildlife Management Branch of NRE Tasmania’s state-wide wombat
monitoring program, a remarkable 40-year community science effort.

Sarcoptic mange is a skin disease affecting more than 100 mammal species worldwide and is caused by the parasitic mite (Sarcoptes scabiei), which burrows into the skin and causes irritation. In bare-nosed wombats, the condition can lead to frequent scratching, hair loss, and thickened or crusted skin, sometimes resulting in open sores or secondary infections. As the disease progresses, the skin damage can make it harder for wombats to regulate their body temperature and conserve energy, and severely affected animals may become weak or malnourished.

Mange generally affects wombats at low levels across parts of Tasmania, and the bare-nosed wombat is not listed as threatened in Tasmania and is considered secure, with the overall population increasing since monitoring began. However, severe localised outbreaks can occur, leading to significant population declines. A notable example of the disease’s impact happened in Tasmania’s Central North, where an
outbreak of sarcoptic mange between 2010 and 2016 caused a sharp drop in wombat numbers in and around Narawntapu National Park. Although signs of recovery have been seen since, the event showed how quickly mange can affect local populations. Accordingly, monitoring wombats in nearby areas, including Cradle Mountain, remains important.

Surveys are conducted in all weather conditions and involve a slow, quiet walk along two designated transects two hours before sunset. Volunteers use binoculars to spot wombats and record observations on weatherproof data sheets. The entire process takes about two hours. PWS supplies all necessary equipment, including binoculars, clipboards, high-visibility vests, and a first aid kit.

After the survey, volunteers can warm up by the cosy log fire at the Cradle Mountain Lodge Tavern, often enjoying a well-earned mulled wine. Basic accommodation may be available, though volunteers need to bring their own bedding and personal supplies.

Wombat Monitoring
Photo credit: James Stone (WCMV)

To experience this rewarding role, join Wildcare Cradle Mountain Volunteers and register on the NRE Tas volunteer portal. New volunteers receive an induction from the ranger in charge and are paired with experienced observers to ensure consistent, accurate data collection.

This is a highly sought-after volunteer role with limited spaces, often booked up a year in advance. To learn more, please get in touch with James at cradlewombats@gmail.com.

Donations to the TNCF and Wildcare's Operating Fund support volunteer conservation efforts for at-risk and threatened species across the state.

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