Objective To determine the distribution and prevalence of sarcoptic ma
nge in wombats, particularly the common wombat (Vombatus ursinus). Des
ign Questionnaire survey in two parts. Procedure Questionnaires were d
istributed to biologists, rangers, animal carers and naturalists. Part
1 of the questionnaire aimed to determine the present distribution of
sarcoptic mange in wombats (103 responses). Part 2 invited respondent
s to assess the prevalence of sarcoptic mange in wombats over a 3 mont
h period (four responses). Information on wombats from 66 localities w
as received. Each locality represented an area of about 2500 km(2). Re
sults Mange was observed at 93% of localities surveyed and Sarcoptes s
cabiei was present in common wombats at 52% of localities. Sarcoptic m
ange was highly prevalent (22%) in two common wombat populations in Vi
ctoria. Anecdotal evidence suggested that mange epizootics are sporadi
c, cause significant morbidity and mortality and have a substantial ef
fect on local abundance. The respondents did not report sarcoptic mang
e in either northern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus krefftii) or sou
thern hairy-nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons). Conclusions Sarcopt
ic mange occurs in common wombat populations throughout the range of t
he common wombat including Tasmania and Flinders Island. While mange e
pizootics are sporadic, they have the potential to threaten the long-t
erm survival of small, remnant populations.