Northern hairy-nosed wombat program

In the heart of Central Queensland, a plump, furry creature with distinctive whiskers and a button nose meanders through the undergrowth. Its appearance signifies a glimmer of hope for a species on the brink of extinction: the elusive northern hairy-nosed wombat.

This wombat is, in fact, an inhabitant of a carefully constructed sanctuary at Powrunna State Forest, near St George in Queensland. 

The critically endangered wombat is rarer than China’s giant panda and was once only found in two locations across Queensland: Epping Forest National Park, home to the last natural population of the species, and Richard Underwood Nature Refuge.

The Richard Underwood Nature Refuge was made possible through a multi-million-dollar partnership between Glencore and the Queensland Department of Environment and Science (DES), which began back in 2008.

Now, almost 14 years on, a third sanctuary has been established at Powrunna State Forest to support the species' recovery, and in 2024 the first wombats were translocated to the site.

Expanding horizons to save a species

Up to 60 northern hairy-nosed wombats will be gradually translocated to the 2,800-hectare site at Powrunna State Forest, over the next three years, aiming to create a self-sustaining population.

We are proud to have invested $2.1 million to help secure and establish the site, which offers a space for these enigmatic creatures to slowly rebuild their numbers away from the threats that have pushed them to the edge.

Once abundant across eastern Australia, a culmination of factors, including habitat loss and predation has contributed to their decline.

There are currently less than 500 northern hairy-nosed wombats left in the world – fewer than China’s giant panda, Indonesia’s Sumatran tiger and Central Africa’s mountain gorilla.

Partnerships make it possible

The new refuge is the result of a partnership between the Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI), Glencore Coal, Gunggari Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (GNTAC) and Gunggari Native Title Holders, and The Wombat Foundation.

Glencore has provided a long-term financial commitment to the recovery program, including $2.1 million to secure the third population at Powrunna State Forest.

“The partnership with Glencore has been fantastic,” said DETSI’s Principal Conservation Officer, Dave Harper.

“Initially, Glencore helped us establish the second site at Richard Underwood Nature Refuge, and now they’re working with us to establish this sanctuary at Powrunna, which is a much larger site and a greater step in terms of securing the species.”

Glencore’s funding has contributed to the installation of 27 kilometres of predator-proof fencing around the forest, as well as site infrastructure and monitoring equipment.

Population growing but conservation efforts still needed

Fossil records indicate northern hairy-nosed wombats were once widespread, living in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. However by the 1980s, only 35 northern hairy-nosed wombats were left in the wild.

The Epping Forest population recently reached a milestone of 400 northern hairy-nosed wombats, while around 20 wombats currently live at Richard Underwood Nature Refuge.

Although recovery actions have significantly improved the northern hairy-nosed wombat’s numbers, the species still faces a high risk of extinction.

“This translocation of wombats is another significant step in the ongoing efforts to safeguard this critically endangered species,” Dave said.

“While there is still work to be done, our partnership is the perfect example of how people and organisations working together can achieve great success.”

Glencore Coal’s Social Performance Manager, Craig Strudwick, said the partnership is a great source of pride for the company.

“Our partnership with the northern hairy-nosed wombat project is a long-standing one, having commenced in 2008,” Craig said.

“Our employees are incredibly proud that we’ve played a part in helping to save this species since then.”