Why we shouldn't use the name 'Common Wombat'
Not Common!
Why we shouldn’t use the name ‘Common Wombat’
Bare-nosed Wombats are not common!
Wombats face many threats:
Climate change
Habitat loss
Injury & death on the roads
Predator attacks
Disease & illness like ‘Sarcoptic Mange’
The word ‘common’ gives the general public the incorrect idea that the species is common and not in need of protection.
The scientific name will always stay the same
The scientific name of the species we refer to is Vombatus ursinus. This name will always sty the same. Currently two common names are in use: ‘Common Wombat’ and ‘Bare-nosed Wombat’. We ask you to drop the ‘common’ and embrace the much better name ‘Bare-nosed Wombat’.
A wild and healthy Bare-nosed Wombat, photographed on Flinders Island, Tasmania.
Australian native animals are unique and special!
All it takes is a simple change in the common name to help raise awareness for our very special native animals. Many Australian organisations have already adopted the name Bare-nosed Wombat.
Will you do it too?
Summary
Wombats are unique
Wombats face many threats
The name ‘Common Wombat’ is misleading
Change it to ‘Bare-nosed Wombat’
Help raise awareness
This article was inspired by ‘Fourth Crossing Wildlife’.