Conservation status of common wombats in Tasmania I: incidence of mange and its significance
Michael M. Driessen
A C , Elise Dewar A , Scott Carver B and Rosemary Gales A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, PO Box 44, Hobart, Tas. 7001, Australia.
B Department of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, Tas. 7001, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: Michael.Driessen@dpipwe.tas.gov.au
Pacific Conservation Biology 28(2) 103-114 https://doi.org/10.1071/PC21007
Submitted: 7 February 2021 Accepted: 9 June 2021 Published: 1 July 2021
Abstract
Sarcoptic mange is an infectious disease impacting over 100 mammalian species around the world, including Australia’s common wombat (Vombatus ursinus). A 94% decline in a localised population attributed to mange has raised concerns for the status of the two subspecies endemic to the island state of Tasmania, Australia. We provide the first broad-scale assessment of sarcoptic mange distribution and prevalence in wombats in Tasmania. Mange-affected wombats are widespread in Tasmania from sea level to 960 m above sea level, although there are no confirmed cases from the western region of Tasmania or Maria Island. It has been recorded in most major vegetation groups, but particularly in agricultural areas. Mange prevalence estimated from night-time spotlight observation and camera surveys varied between regions (0.0–17.6%) with an overall prevalence of 4.4% for observation surveys and 0.6% for camera surveys. Time of day, survey method, and distance from observer can influence mange assessments. Local reductions in wombat numbers and animal welfare impacts due to sarcoptic mange are concerning and warrant on-going monitoring of wombats and mange, and the development and trials of effective disease management options.
Keywords: bare-nosed wombat, ectoparasite, habitat, mange prevalence, monitoring, Sarcoptes scabiei, Tasmania.
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