In the vast landscapes of Australia, a unique and charming creature roams — the “wombat.” These round, adorable animals possess surprising abilities and fascinating traits that never fail to amaze. Let’s explore the world of this remarkable creature.
Wombats are marsupials native to Australia, measuring around one meter in length and weighing between 20 and 35kg. Their fur varies in color, ranging from brown to gray to black. As herbivores, they primarily feed on grass, bark and roots. To adapt to Australia’s weather conditions, wombats have developed a slow metabolism and a leisurely pace. However, despite their bulky appearance, they can reach speeds of up to 40km per hour when threatened.
Wombats are known for their cube-shaped droppings, but their lifestyle is equally intriguing. They are exceptional diggers, creating complex underground burrow systems in well-drained soil. Some of these systems can even house up to 10 wombats. In fact, during wildfires, their burrow systems have provided shelter and protected many other species.
Photo: Pexelss / 照片：Pexelss提供
However, wombats face several threats, including habitat loss due to human expansion and competition for food from non-native animals. In response to these challenges, wombats have evolved unique defenses. They can quickly retreat into their burrows, using their tough rear ends to block predators, and even crush an attacker’s skull between the roof of the burrow and their backs.
By appreciating wombats, we can foster a deeper understanding of the natural world and cultivate a sense of responsibility to protect their habitats, ensuring their continued survival.
在廣闊的澳洲土地上，漫步著一種獨特而吸引人的生物──袋熊。這些圓滾滾的可愛動物，擁有令人驚奇的能力和迷人的特徵，總能讓人讚嘆不已。讓我們一起探索這種奇異生物的世界。
袋熊是原產於澳洲的有袋類動物，體長約一公尺，體重在 20 至 35 公斤之間。牠們的毛色多樣，從棕色到灰色到黑色都有。作為草食性動物，牠們主要以草、樹皮和根為食。為了適應澳洲的氣候條件，袋熊發展出緩慢的新陳代謝和悠閒的步調。然而，儘管外表笨重，牠們在受到威脅時可以達到每小時 40 公里的速度。
袋熊最著名的特徵是其立方體形狀的糞便，但牠們的生活方式同樣引人入勝。牠們是傑出的挖掘者，在排水良好的土壤中創造出複雜的地下洞穴系統。有些穴道甚至可以容納多達十隻袋熊。事實上，在野火期間，牠們的洞穴系統為許多其他的物種提供了庇護。
然而，袋熊面臨著多種威脅，包括人類擴張導致的棲息地喪失和外來動物對食物的競爭。為了應對這些挑戰，袋熊進化出了獨特的防禦機制。牠們可以迅速退回洞穴，利用堅硬的臀部阻擋掠食者，甚至可以在洞穴頂部和背部之間壓碎攻擊者的頭骨。
透過了解袋熊，我們可以加深對自然世界的認識，並培養保護牠們棲息地的責任感，確保牠們能夠繼續生存。
MORE INFORMATION
wombat n. 袋熊
adorable adj. 可愛的；討人喜歡的
marsupial n. 有袋動物
herbivore n. 草食類動物
metabolism n. 新陳代謝
droppings n.（動物和鳥類的）糞便
burrow n. 洞穴；地道（尤指動物挖掘的）
KEY VOCABULARY
1. roam v. 遊蕩；漫步
Wild tigers once roamed across much of Asia, but hunters have killed so many that they’re now rare.
野生老虎曾經在亞洲大部分地區遊蕩，但是獵人殺死了許多老虎，以至於牠們現在已經很少見了。
2. fascinating adj. 迷人的；引人入勝的
The ancient church boasts a fascinating history filled with stories of the Middle Ages.
這座古老教堂擁有一段充滿中世紀故事的迷人歷史。
3. remarkable adj. 非凡的；引人注目的
The scientist made a remarkable discovery that could change the way we understand the universe.
這位科學家做出了一個卓越的發現，可能會改變我們對宇宙的理解方式。
4. shelter n. 避難處；庇護所
The hiker built a shelter out of branches when he got lost in the forest.
當這名健行者在森林迷路時，他用樹枝搭建了一間避難處。
5. species n. 物種（單複數同形）
Illegal hunting poses a significant threat to endangered species worldwide.
非法狩獵對全世界瀕危物種構成重大威脅。
6. expansion n. 擴展；擴張
Following its success in the capital, the store was set for an expansion into other cities.
在首都取得成功後，這家商店計劃到其他城市進行展店。
7. defense n. 防護；保衛
Good defense is just as important as offense in any sport.
在任何運動中，良好的防守和進攻同樣重要。
8. rear adj. 後面的；後部的 / rear end 屁股
The rear doors of the car are damaged but the front doors are fine.
這輛車的後門損壞了，但前門沒事。
9. crush v. 擠壓；粉粹
Don’t put the bread at the bottom of the shopping bag or the other items will
crush it.
不要將麵包放在購物袋底部，否則其他物品會壓壞它。
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