Hematologic and serum biochemical reference values for free-ranging northern hairy-nosed wombats

Abstract

Hematologic and serum biochemistry values were determined for 31 adult (21 male and 10 female) and four subadult male northern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus krefftii) from the only existing population in Epping Forest National Park, Australia. Blood samples were obtained from free-ranging northern hairy-nosed wombats during trapping for population census and health and reproductive assessment in 1999. Hematologic and biochemical values were compared between adult males and adult females, and between adult and subadult wombats. Values were also compared with those previously published for southern hairy-nosed (Lasiorhinus latifrons) and common (Vombatus ursinus) wombats. The values from this study were used to create reference intervals, and they make up the first comprehensive hematologic and biochemical study for this highly endangered species. © Wildlife Disease Association 2008.