Using near-surface geophysics to assist with the management of southern hairy-nosed wombats ( Lasiorhinus latifrons ) in South Australia

Abstract

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) was used to map the warrens of southern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons) in South Australia in a variety of soil types. Although farmers often cull wombats to reduce their impact on infrastructure and agriculture, their population dynamics are poorly understood, and all stakeholders agree that better information is required. Warrens were mapped successfully at four locations, providing insight into how soil type and local conditions affect burrow morphology and how these can influence population abundance. The use of GPR has provided the first noninvasive means of mapping wombat warrens and the first opportunity to conduct follow-up research to determine how warrens might change over time in response to changes in population.