The Southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) is the smallest of the three living wombat species and is distinguished by the fur that fringes its nose. This burrowing marsupial is native to the dry grasslands of southern Australia, found in scattered semiarid scrub and mallee regions across the southern rim of the continent, from eastern Western Australia through South Australia into extreme southwestern New South Wales. It holds special status as the state animal of South Australia.

Southern hairy-nosed wombats are nocturnal and spend the hot daylight hours deep within cool burrows, emerging at night to feed. They sleep as much as 16 hours per day in their tunnels, conserving energy for nighttime foraging.

Unlike the mostly solitary common wombat, Southern hairy-nosed wombats often live in colonies, digging extensive burrow networks (warrens) that can shelter several individuals, typically 2 to 5, though sometimes more. Each wombat may have its own entrances and chambers within the shared warren, and while they are largely solitary when resting, they tolerate each other’s presence in the colony. Outside the burrow, they tend to forage alone.

Within a warren community, wombats usually get along, but they are territorial about their feeding grounds. They mark boundaries and favorite feeding spots with scent and droppings. A wombat’s scat is a form of communication; by depositing piles of dung on logs or rocks, they signal to others which areas are claimed. If an intruding wombat ignores these hints, confrontations can occur.

Males may fight by biting and scratching, often aiming for the ears, flanks, or rump of rivals. Usually, a warning growl or a harsh coughing bark is enough to send a rival away. Wombats are surprisingly strong and can charge quickly if provoked, with bursts reaching speeds of up to 40 km/h (25 mph), though typical fast runs average closer to 30 to 35 km/h (18 to 22 mph).

Southern hairy-nosed wombats use their powerful claws and teeth to break through hard soil and tree roots to carve out tunnels and chambers underground. Younger individuals, especially those pushed out by dominant adults, often settle in nearby single-entrance burrows rather than the main warren. These smaller burrows act as temporary shelters and safe zones, especially during territorial disputes or breeding seasons. While the main colony provides shared protection, these outlying dens give displaced wombats space to establish their own routines without direct conflict.