Endangered Wombats and The World's Most Interesting Man

Recently, the Dos Equis Beer spokesman, the World's Most Interesting Man (actor Jonathan Goldsmith), auctioned "The Most Interesting Jam," sending the proceeds to the Wombat Foundation, an organization which helps protect the critically endangered northern hairy-nosed wombat. The jam, hand-mixed by the World's Most Interesting Man, sold in auction for $1,025.

The northern hairy-nosed wombat remains among the most critically endangered mammals. The current population of 138 hairy nose wombats represents an all time high since conservation efforts began. Most of the wombats live within an area protected by dingo-proof fences located in Epping Forest National Park. Predation poses a serious threat to this small population.

The wombat has never been a particular plentiful species within Australia. Initially, wombat populations began to decline from pressures brought by European settlers and their livestock. Droughts further reduced their population to an all time low of 35 individuals during the 1980s. On the bright side, the wombats continue to breed within their protected nature reserve.

link to original blog:

http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/extinction-countdown/2011/11/22/can-most-interesting-man-world-save-wombat/

citation:

Platt |, John R. "Can the Most Interesting Man in the World Help Save This Critically Endangered Wombat? | Extinction Countdown, Scientific American Blog Network." Scientific American Blog Network. Web. 01 Dec. 2011. .