Wombats are marsupials found in Australia, known for their cute appearance and unique behavior. Unlike kangaroos and koalas, most wombats live underground in burrows that can have up to ten entrances and tunnels over 100 meters long.
These small but sturdy animals are about the size of a medium dog, with short legs and wide feet. Wombats spend most of their time digging with their sharp claws, which they use for both digging and defense.
In a warren, usually occupied by multiple females, mother wombats often leave their young to take over the burrow when they’re old enough to dig on their own. Above ground, wombats graze on grass, using their claws only for digging.
Research has shown that wombats’ cube-shaped scat is related to the shape of their intestinal muscles. There are three species of wombats, with one being critically endangered due to wildfires in Australia.
During wildfires, other animals have been known to shelter in wombat burrows, which are fireproof and tolerated by the animals seeking refuge. Overall, wombats play an important role in Australian ecosystems, despite their small size and cute appearance.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/baby-wombat-american-influencer-australia-marsupial-cube-poop-d97862f5a9b86dbacc1293e2a8adc9f9