In a striking juxtaposition of wildlife protection and social media sensationalism, the plight of wombats in Australia has recently surged into public attention, thanks to two contrasting narratives: the conservation efforts led by budding wildlife scientist Eliza Stott and the controversial antics of influencer Sam Jones.
On one hand, Eliza Stott, a PhD student at the University of Melbourne, has been diligently working on her research regarding the treatment of sarcoptic mange in wombats, a disease that poses a major threat to this native species. Stott’s work is critical; sarcoptic mange is highly contagious and can be fatal if not treated properly. As she explained in a recent interview, “The treatment isn’t well-structured at the moment and there’s not a lot of scientific data to support current treatment regimens.” Her research focuses on moxidectin, a drug that is currently used but not extensively studied for treating the disease in wombats.
Stott founded Women in Wildlife, a support network aimed at connecting and uplifting women and non-binary persons in the wildlife industry. Since its inception in 2021, the initiative has gained considerable traction, creating a space for networking, mentorship, and education. “It has blossomed into something quite special,” she remarked. The network conducts various programs and workshops, which provide essential resources and training for members, ensuring they can tackle their wildlife conservation careers with confidence.
In a stark contrast, Sam Jones, a self-proclaimed influencer and wildlife biologist, drew significant ire for her disruptive behavior concerning a young wombat. On March 19, as she filmed herself picking up a young wombat, she separated it from its distressed mother, creating a stir online and a backlash against her actions. The incident prompted an outcry from the public and wildlife protection groups, resulting in a petition for her deportation that garnered over 40,000 signatures. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese himself commented on the situation, describing the incident as a “shocker.”
Wombats, capable of weighing up to 40 kilograms, are not only vulnerable to mange but also face threats from human activity, including habitat destruction. Eliza Stott highlighted this dire situation, stating, “In the last few decades, more than 7 million hectares of habitat has been destroyed, mostly for mining and agriculture.” This alarming statistic underscores the critical need for awareness and conservation efforts.
On World Wildlife Day, celebrated on March 3, the UN’s theme for 2025 was “Wildlife Conservation Finance,” which emphasized the need for greater financial resources directed towards wildlife protection measures. With an estimated cost of $15 billion per year for the next 30 years to ensure the survival of Australia’s 99 threatened species, there is a clear urgency for effective conservation funding. Stott observes, “Conservation organizations here are always chasing their tails for funding opportunities.” This highlights an urgent need for legislative changes alongside increased awareness and financial backing.
In her dual roles as a PhD student and the director of Women in Wildlife, Stott aims to create scholarship opportunities for women pursuing wildlife studies. By founding a mentorship program for women in wildlife, she pushes forward the narrative of inclusivity in conservation, enabling future generations to tackle the challenges they will face in preserving Australia’s ecological heritage.
Sadly, despite the efforts of conservationists like Stott, the threat to wombats remains prevalent. Through the years, human impact has exacerbated the challenges these creatures face. Eliza Stott related the stark reality of the current conservation climate: “For example, the country invested in the conservation of koalas after the bush fires, however the destruction still continues.”
The behavior exhibited by Jones represents a larger trend in which uneducated social media influencers engage with wildlife in harmful ways, often seeking views over welfare. Given that interests diverge strongly between influencers chasing attention and conservationists painstakingly working for the survival of native species, the public is left to grapple with competing narratives. In her comments on the influencer culture, Stott noted, “We are seeing a rise in people directly interacting with wildlife through feeding them or taking risks to get close to them.”
This exploitive dynamic emphasizes the critical need for wildlife education and responsible social media practices. It serves as a reminder for the public to remain vigilant and support those truly working to enhance the wellbeing of varied species.
In conclusion, the situation surrounding wombats in Australia shadows a more significant dilemma concerning how wildlife is treated amidst social media’s allure. Eliza Stott represents the earnest fight for conservation, while Sam Jones exemplifies the growing recklessness in influencer culture that can endanger wildlife.
