The Wombats Who Dug Climate Shelters

On today’s episode of Good News from Planet Earth, we’re going underground, literally - to meet the wombat: a chunky, cube-pooping marsupial with a surprising role in climate resilience.

During Australia’s devastating Black Summer bushfires, wombat burrows became unexpected wildlife shelters, giving refuge to wallabies, echidnas, reptiles—even birds. But that’s just the beginning.

These furry diggers are quietly helping restore soil health, support native plant growth, and even inspire robotics design with their famously cube-shaped poop. (Yes, really!)

This is a story about natural climate adaptation, underground ecosystems, and the overlooked brilliance of animals doing their thing, and saving lives in the process.

Wildfire survival and wombat burrows
Soil restoration and seed dispersal
Cube-shaped poop meets soft robotics
Australian wildlife and climate resilience

If you love quirky science, animal allies, or just a really solid poop fact, this episode is for you!

This episode is narrated by Ally Murphy from Voiceover for the Planet.

Resources:

The Conversation – Animals Took Refuge in Wombat Burrows During the Bushfires

Good Things Guy - Wombats Save Others from Fire

Australian Wildlife Conservancy – Digging Mammals Project

Smithsonian Magazine – How Do Wombats Make Cube-Shaped Poop?

National Geographic – Scientists Solved the Mystery of Wombats’ Cube-Shaped Poop

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Good News from Planet Earth is brought to you by Voiceover for the Planet, proud members of 1% for the Planet.

Produced by Ally Murphy and Anne Cloud

Sound Designed and Mixed by Brandon Perry at Sound Nectar Studios

If you'd like a member of Voiceover for the Planet to narrate your project, email [e-mail]