What
The Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons)
is the faunal emblem of South Australia and one of three species of
wombat. It has limited habitat sites in semi-arid to arid regions,
ranging from the eastern Nullarbor Plain to the NSW border.
Wombats require three
consecutive years of good seasons (for breeding) to reach
maturity. However, wombat specialists are concerned that
numbers have and will continue to decline due to a combination
of recent climatic change and habitat degradation by rabbits
and domestic stock.
A Hairy-nosed wombat can live at least 20 years in the wild, but
typically 10-12 years. The oldest known (documented) age of a
wombat is that of Carver, a Hairy-nosed wombat in the Brookfield
Zoo in Chicago, who is currently 32 years old.
The
Animal Diversity Web entry has extensive information regarding
the Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat.
Where
The Brookfield Conservation Park, 11 kilometres west of
Blanchetown, was established for the conservation of the Southern
Hairy-nosed Wombat. In 1971, the Chicago Zoological Society
(initiated by the Director of the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago)
purchased Glen Leslie Station and renamed it the Brookfield Zoo
Wombat Reserve. Due to financial issues, the Chicago Zoological
Society gifted the land to the Government of South Australia in
1977. The name was changed to the current Brookfield Conservation
Park.
The primary purpose of the reserve is for the provision of a
permanent refuge for the Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat. Scientific
and educational goals include the study of the biology of the
wombat, research into the conservation and restoration of the
various habitats that existed pre white settlement, and a facility
to educate the public on the wombat and the steps taken to protect
it.
The park has been zoned into three areas: a 'development zone',
a 'restricted access zone' for undisturbed scientific research, and
a 'public use and education zone'. Two Nature Drives and the 'Three
Habitats' interpretative walking trail near the picnic area have
been established for the enjoyment and education of the public.
The Cache
The cache is located in
the public access area near the 'picnic area' and toilet
facitilies. To get to the site, follow the 'Nature Drives' 10
kilometre loop from the Park Headquarters. A conventional
two-wheel drive can make the trip with some care; it will be a
little corregated in places.
The cache is a three litre Sistema container - a good sized
retreat for
Vombatus ursinus TB (belonging to
Spindoc Bob) who visited here when the cache was placed.
The cache is covered with stones in the base of a tree. Please
watch out for 'wriggly sticks' when retrieving and please rehide
with care.
 Don't be a tool
 . Please help preserve the fragile
environment by sticking to the established tracks. Please
drive to the posted speed limit; we saw around two dozen
kangaroos while we were there. The speed limit is as much for
your safety as for theirs. |
Note
This is not a driveby. Please take the time to enjoy your
surroundings. Observe the changes in vegetation from mallee to
sugarwood and bluebush, as well as the small changes in landscape
(such as calcrite outcrops). There is an abundance of unique wild
and bird life in the park; if you are lucky, you may spy a
wombat.
We enjoyed placing the cache. We hope you enjoy finding it.