From ABC News
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-18/m ... ection=tas
Mange is affecting half the wombat population in Narawntapu National Park
An infestation of mange is affecting around half of the wombats at a national park in the state's north.
Mange is caused by mites that burrow under the wombat's skin, irritating the animal and causing its fur to fall out.
Researchers from the University of Tasmania are looking in to the problem at Narawntapu National Park.
Disease ecologist Scott Carver says mange has always been in the park but seems to be more prevalent now.
He says the disease seems more common in flat areas of the park.
"About 50 per cent of the wombats at the moment in the park have some signs of mange," he said.
"We're still trying to understand it, but we think it's probably something to do with the environment and the moisture in the environment and how the mite survives.
"It could also be something to do with the health status of the wombat, like whether their immune system can fight off the infestation with the mite."
Park rangers are euthanasing dying animals.
Ranger Anthony Timmerman says the sight of sick wombats is upsetting for the public.
"The park is renowned for visitors coming to view wombats," he said.
The researchers hope their work will provide a better understanding of how to manage the infestation.