Sarcoptic mange is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei and has recently been recognized as an emerging infectious disease of wildlife worldwide. The mite is one of the main causes of population decline in southern hairy-nosed (Lasiorhinus latifrons) and bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus). This review focuses on Sarcoptes scabiei infestations in wombats and provides insights into why the disease may be so prevalent in wombats. Current treatment practices and trials conducted in the field to reduce the incidence of sarcoptic mange in wombats are described and critically reviewed. Current and potential future avenues of research are discussed.

Sarcoptic mange is a threat to bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus) in Australia and a major factor contributing to the decline in populations of this species. It is caused by a mite, Sarcoptes scabiei, and if untreated can lead to severe irritation, blindness, starvation and eventual death. Modes of transmission likely occur through direct contact between wombats and indirectly from wombat burrows. Our study aimed to estimate and compare the numbers of bare-nosed wombats at three study sites, and to determine how rainfall, temperature and humidity influenced the incidence of sarcoptic mange in the populations. The abundances of macropods and rabbits were also compared with wombat abundance and sarcoptic mange prevalence at the three study sites. Across the study sites, 1655 bare-nosed wombats were observed. Sarcoptic mange prevalence was between 7.0% and 40.7%, depending on site, season and year. Sarcoptic mange prevalence correlated with yearly rainfall, with a higher incidence of sarcoptic mange occurring in higher-rainfall years. Higher numbers of macropods in the study areas also correlated with higher incidences of sarcoptic mange in the wombat populations.

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Infrared cameras are now used universally to study wildlife. In this study camera traps were used to report the use of bare-nosed wombat Vombatus ursinus burrows by other species. Eleven species were captured using camera traps. The species observed utilising wombat burrows included wombats, rabbits, macropods, possums, murids, foxes, cats and birds. The utilisation of wombat burrows by these species included entry into the burrow for shelter and hunting, and exploitation of the burrow entrance and spoil for foraging and potentially geophagic purposes.

The bush stone-curlew Burhinus grallarius is listed as 'Near threatened' on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. In NSW, bush stone-curlews are listed as 'Endangered' under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. The present study focused on bush stone-curlew populations throughout the central coast of NSW and the aim of this study was to develop an inductive spatial model in Geographical Information System (GIS) of suitable bush stone-curlew habitat based on historical sightings and empirical data. To develop the models, micro-habitat data from 30 sites where bush stone-curlews have been recorded were combined with broad historical habitat maps between Gosford and Port Stephens. The habitat data and developed spatial models indicated that bush stonecurlew sightings are associated with trees dominated by Casuarina glauca and Syncarpia glomulifera. In terms of broad habitat classifications, bush stone-curlews are more likely to be sighted in wet sclerophyll forests (towards Gosford) and dry sclerophyll forests and saline wetlands (Port Stephens). The spatial model developed for this endangered bird will help direct conservation efforts to maintain and promote habitat in areas where urban development is rapidly increasing.