Bendeela wombat mange treatment a success

The friendly Bare-nosed wombats at Bendeela Recreation Area south of Sydney are now happier and healthier thanks to a successful treatment campaign.

Visitors to the popular camping ground beside the Kangaroo River had been noticing wombats were losing fur and had sores on their skin, eyes and ears. It’s a condition called sarcoptic mange, which can lead to sickness or even death.

WaterNSW worked closely with National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), the University of Tasmania (UTAS) and other stakeholders to find a long-term and sustainable treatment solution.

UTAS carried out a monthly plan to treat mange between April and September 2022. Wombats received a dose of Bravecto, a common flea and tick treatment for pets.

“We’re happy to report that the number of wombats with severe sarcoptic mange has dropped significantly in Bendeela,” WaterNSW Catchment Assets Manager, Mary Knowles, said.

“By the end of the six-month treatment program, the severity of mange in Bendeela’s wombat population had reduced by more than 55%.

“This is a fantastic outcome for us as the managers of the Bendeela Recreation Area, but more importantly, for the wombats who call this place home.

“What’s also exciting is that we are now one of the first agencies in NSW to have field teams trained to do onsite treatment in a public space, which means we can continue the treatment plan that was successfully trialled.

“Next steps include WaterNSW carrying out surveys and treatment every three months. We can also treat any other wombats identified with mange outside of this regular program.

“This is not a permanent cure for mange but, through ongoing treatment, we can improve the overall health of wombats at Bendeela,” Mary said.

The Bendeela Wombat Treatment Program started in late 2020 and was completed in early 2023, following delays caused by COVID and flooding.

An independent report, written by Scott Carver, Associate Professor of Wildlife Ecology UTAS, highlighted the outcomes of the program and identified recommendations and long-term treatment options for WaterNSW to implement into the future.

“The Bendeela Wombat Treatment Program has been the result of a very effective collaboration between industry partners and UTAS,” Mary said.

“We’re pleased we now have the techniques and resources to play our part in improving the health of the native wombat population."

Associate Professor Scott Carver’s final report can be viewed on our Bendeela Recreation Area page.