History of Wombat in Timeline

Wombats are short-legged, muscular marsupials native to Australia. They belong to the family Vombatidae and are quadrupedal. They typically reach about 1 meter in length, have small, stubby tails, and weigh between 20 and 35 kg. Wombats are adaptable and can be found in various habitats such as forests, mountains, and heathlands across southern and eastern Australia, including Tasmania and a specific area in Queensland.

1906: Wombats Classified as Vermin

In 1906, wombats were classified as vermin, leading to population decline.

1925: Wombat Bounty Introduced

In 1925, a bounty was introduced for wombats, further reducing their numbers.

1974: Wombat on 20-cent Stamp

In 1974, the northern hairy-nosed wombat featured on an Australian 20-cent stamp.

1981: Wombat on Five-cent Stamp

In 1981, the northern hairy-nosed wombat also appeared on an Australian five-cent stamp.

1987: Wombat on 37-cent Stamp

In 1987, the common wombat appeared on a 37-cent stamp.

1992: Nature Conservation Act

In 1992, the northern hairy-nosed wombat is a critically endangered species under Queensland's Nature Conservation Act.

1996: Wombat on 95-cent Stamp

In 1996, the common wombat appeared on an Australian 95-cent stamp.

1998: Wombat on Silver Coin

In 1998, the northern hairy-nosed wombat appeared on an Australia Silver Proof $10 coin.

1999: Biodiversity Conservation Act

In 1999, the northern hairy-nosed wombat is a critically endangered species under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

2000: Fatso the Fat-Arsed Wombat Mascot

In 2000, "Fatso the Fat-Arsed Wombat" was the tongue-in-cheek "unofficial" mascot of the Sydney Olympics.

2005: Wombat on Commemorative Coin

In 2005, the common wombat appeared on a commemorative $1 coin.

2005: Wombat Day Observed

Since 2005, an unofficial holiday called Wombat Day has been observed on 22 October.

2006: Wombat on Bush Babies Stamp

In 2006, the Australian Bush Babies stamp series featured an AU$1.75 stamp of a baby common wombat.

April 2010: Man Mauled by Wombat

In April 2010, a 59-year-old man in rural Victoria, Australia, was mauled by a wombat, resulting in cuts and bite marks that required hospital treatment.