Wombats average one metre in length and 35 centimetres in height. They are found mainly on the east coast of Australia, from Tasmania to southern Queensland, across the wetter, sub humid, eucalypt forests in the hilly coastal areas.
Wombats are nocturnal animals, spending almost eighty per cent of their time underground in their long, complex burrows up to 30 m long. Wombats feed mainly on native grass, roots, bark and moss.
The wombat is a marsupial and a herbivore, and like the koala, likes its own company except come breeding time. The wombat marks its 'home range' of some 5 to 25 hectares, depending on its food supply needs and do not tolerate intruders. While the koala lives in trees, the wombat lives in burrows underground. And unlike the koalas, the wombats are often seen as pests. They often push through the rabbit-proof fences, leaving holes for dingos, foxes and rabbits to pass through. Together, they have caused significant damage to the farmers' crops.
Till 1965 the wombat was wildly hunted for its pelt. Then they were hunted for sport. Their shrinking habitat continue to decimate their population. And since roads and highways criss-crossed their habitat, increasing numbers end up as road kill. Now, they are listed as an endangered species, and protected to some degree in the various states in Australia, but they are still shot as vermin in Victoria.
Australian possums are marsupials too, but they are no relation to the North and South American opossums. Australian possums range from tiny gliding possums to large agile climbing brushtails. They live on eucalyptus leaves and native fruits, flowers and tree bark in the forests. They are not fussy eaters. They live quite well on the food and vegetables left exposed in the garden and rubbish bins.
Female possums are ready to reproduce at the age of one year. They build their nests in tree hollows and do not scruple to build them in spaces between the ceiling and the roofs of urban houses. Their young stays in the mother's pouch for 1-2 months and then ride on the mother's back for another 3–4 months, before making its own way into the world.
Possums are nocturnal animals, vulnerable to foxes, dogs, humans and bushfires. Fortunately, they are too numerous to ever be considered an endangered species any time soon.