Digger
the Common Wombat is big and strong and loves digging burrows. He has
a number of burrows which he visits every night. Some are smaller than
others, but his biggest burrow is about 20 metres long and has a number
of sleeping chambers in it and a few different entrances for convenience.
When he gets bored he starts digging a new burrow but gives up if the
digging doesn't go so well.
Common
Wombats are herbivorous and eat mainly grasses and also the roots of
shrubs and trees. They have thick fur and like cooler places to live.
They are often found in forest areas in the mountains of South East
Australia. In Tasmania and South Australia they may be found in more
open areas such as scrub and heath land.
Digger
lives on his own most of the time. Sometimes another wombat may share
his burrow, but they don't spend much time together, and argue a lot.
Digger sleeps during the day in summer and wanders around his home territory
during the night. In the cooler months he may be seen during the day
as well.
Female
Common Wombats have a rear opening pouch with two teats but usually
only one baby is born at a time. The baby spends about six months in
the pouch and then almost a year trotting behind the mother learning
how to survive.
Though
they seem to have a very simple life, Common Wombats have a very large
brain. Perhaps they think a lot during the many hours they spend in
the burrow. The Common Wombat is protected in Western Victoria, and
although seeming secure at the moment the numbers are declining due
to habitat destruction and competition from stock.
Digger the Wombat is one of the stunning full bodied soft toy puppets designed by Peter Harris inspired by the local wombats in the region of Secret Gully.