Husbandry Guidelines for the Common Wombat Vombatus
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Husbandry Guidelines for The Common Wombat Vombatus ursinus Mammalia: Vombatidae Compiled by Kylie Elliott 2008 Western Sydney Institute of TAFE, Richmond Course Name and Number: RUV30204 Lecturer: Graeme Phipps, Jacki Salkeld & Brad Walker __________________________________________________________________________________ Common Wombat Vombatus ursinus Husbandry Manual Kylie Elliott 2009 DICSLAIMER The following document contains guidelines, for the care of Common Wombats Vombatus ursinus in captivity based on research into the care of captive wombats and experience of captive husbandry. The author of the following guidelines and cannot be, and are not, legally, financially or in any other way, responsible for the application of techniques described within this document. When undertaking any procedures or techniques outlined in this document, it is up to individual workers to assess the unique circumstances of their situation, apply common sense, and subsequently apply any procedures or techniques at their own risk. In all cases, the reader of this document are cautioned not to use this handbook as an exact step-by-step guide, but rather as a starting reference point for further work. __________________________________________________________________________________ Common Wombat Vombatus ursinus Husbandry Manual Kylie Elliott 2009 2 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY Classification: Hazardous Wombats have great strength and are equipt with sharp rootless teeth and sharp claws. Although they may look harmless, they are capable of inflicting serious injury to a person. It is highly recommended to take caution when entering a wombat enclosure. They can cause injury trough: Biting Scratching Charging Crushing with their rump Prevention of Injury: Only experienced staff should be allowed to enter a wombat exhibit. To prevent injury to both workers and the animals, only experienced staff should handle wombats (refer to section 7.3 Capture & Restraint Techniques). Wear PPE - Steel cap boots, long pants. When in a wombat enclosure, be aware of the animal - do not take your eyes of it. __________________________________________________________________________________ Common Wombat Vombatus ursinus Husbandry Manual Kylie Elliott 2009 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS: 1. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................6 1.1 ASMP CATEGORY ...............................................................................................................................6 1.2 IUCN CATEGORY .............................................................................................................................. 6 1.3 SPECIES COORDINATOR ................................................................................................................. 6 1.4 STUDBOOK HOLDER ........................................................................................................................ 7 2. TAXONOMY ..............................................................................................................................................7 2.1 NOMENCLATURE .................................................................................................................................7 2.2 SUBSPECIES ...........................................................................................................................................7 2.3 RECENT SYNONYMS ...........................................................................................................................7 2.4 OTHER COMMON NAMES ................................................................................................................7 3. NATURAL HISTORY ............................................................................................................................ 7 3.1 MORPHOMETRICS ............................................................................................................................... 7 3.1.1 Mass And Basic Body Measurements ............................................................................ 7 3.1.2 Sexual Dimorphism ............................................................................................................ 8 3.1.3 Distinguishing Features .................................................................................................... 8 3.2 DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT .............................................................................................................. 9 3.3 CONSERVATION STATUS ....................................................................................................................... 11 3.4 LONGEVITY ............................................................................................................................................. 11 3.4.1 In the Wild ............................................................................................................................ 11 3.4.2 In Captivity ........................................................................................................................... 12 3.4.3 Techniques Used to Determine Age in Adults .......................................................... 12 4. HOUSING REQUIREMENTS .......................................................................................................... 12 4.1 EXHIBIT/ENCLOSURE DESIGN ....................... ............................................................................................................. 12 4.2 HOLDING AREA DESIGN ...................................................................................................................... 13 4.3 SPATIAL REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................................................................... ........................... 13 4.4 POSITION OF ENCLOSURES ................................................................................................................. 14 4.5 WEATHER PROTECTION ...................................................................................................................... 14 4.6 TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................................... 14 4.7 SUBSTRATE ........................ ............................................................................................................................................. 14 4.8 NESTBOXES AND/OR BEDDING MATERIAL ........................................................................................ 14 4.9 ENCLOSURE FURNISHINGS .................................................................................................................... 15 5. GENERAL HUSBANDRY ................................................................................................................... 16 5.1 HYGIENE AND CLEANING .................................................................................................................... 16 ......................... 5.2 RECORD KEEPING ............................................................................................................................. 16 5.3 METHODS OF IDENTIFICATION ..................................................................................................... 17 5.4 ROUTINE DATA COLLECTION ........................................................................................................ 17 6. FEEDING REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................................ 18 6.1 DIET IN THE WILD .......................................................................................................................... 18 6.2 CAPTIVE DIET ................................................................................................................................... 21 6.3 SUPPLEMENTS ................................................................................................................................... 23 6.4 PRESENTATION OF FOOD ................................................................................................................ 23 .............................. 7. HANDLING AND TRANSPORT ................................................................................................. 23 7.1 TIMING OF CAPTURE AND HANDLING ........................... ......................................................................................... 23 7.2 CATCHING BAGS .............................................................................................................................. 23 7.3 CAPTURE AND RESTRAINT TECHNIQUES ....................................................................................... 23 7.4 WEIGHING AND EXAMINATION ..................................................................................................... 26 7.5 RELEASE ............................................................................................................................................. 27 7.6 TRANSPORT REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................................... 27 7.6.1 Box Design ........................................................................................................................ 27 7.6.2 Furnishings ....................................................................................................................... 32 7.6.3 Water and Food ..............................................................................................................