As wombats fight for survival against a deadly skin disease that kills in months, University of Western Sydney scientists are asking Australians to help take a census of wombats using an innovative new app.
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WomSAT allows everyday citizens to report wombat sightings and record the animal’s health.
Associate professor Julie Old said wombats across the country were under threat from a parasitic mite which causes sarcoptic mange.
The mites initially burrow into the skin; in the longer term, they are likely to become blind, deaf and die due to the secondary effects of the infestation.
“To fully understand the challenges facing wombats and ensure their future survival, we need to take a comprehensive census of wombat numbers, their distribution and their health,” Associate professor Old said.
UWS is calling on everyone around the country to join the fight by using WomSAT, a new website and app allowing users to easily record the exact location of a wombat using a phone’s inbuilt GPS.
