Wombats aren’t the only animals with weird poos

Australia is known for its unique wildlife, and that extends to the fascinating—and sometimes bizarre—world of animal waste. While many marsupials produce typical spherical or cylindrical droppings, wombats stand out with their cube-shaped scat. But they aren’t alone in having unusual bathroom habits.

Wombat Poop: A Cubic Conundrum

For years, scientists hypothesized that the wombat’s distinctive cube shape was formed within the rectum, a theory dubbed the “square sphincter” hypothesis. However, research conducted in 2018 by a team in the US revealed a different process. The team found evidence suggesting the cube shape actually develops within the intestines, due to uneven elasticity in different sections of the colon.

Did You Know? University of Tasmania wildlife ecologist Scott Carver dissected wombat intestines to further understand how the unique shape is formed.

Three years later, in 2021, University of Tasmania wildlife ecologist Scott Carver added to these findings. Through dissection, he examined the series of stiff and flexible channels within wombat intestines that mold the poop into its characteristic cube shape as it travels through the digestive system.

Interestingly, Carver believes the cube shape isn’t just a random occurrence. He suggests it serves a communication purpose – a cube is less likely to roll away from a carefully positioned location, allowing wombats to leave messages for one another.

Beyond the Cube: Other Australian Animal Scat Oddities

While wombats may be the only animals producing cube-shaped scat, other Australian creatures have equally peculiar bowel movements. Quolls, for example, produce sparkly scats due to their insect-rich diet. The indigestible wings and exoskeletons of insects, like Christmas beetles, end up shining in the sun within their droppings.

Cubic poo from the common wombat, also known as the bare-nosed wombat (Vombatus ursinus). Image credit: shutterstock

Flying foxes, are known for their messy, liquid droppings, often deposited from above while in flight. Despite a common belief, flying fox scat is actually less corrosive than bird droppings.

Expert Insight: The diverse scat characteristics of Australian animals highlight the incredible adaptations within the country’s unique ecosystem. These variations are often linked to diet and communication strategies.

Finally, Tasmanian devils, with their notoriously gruesome diet, produce scat that is not only foul-smelling but can even contain intact echidna spines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes wombat poop cube-shaped?

Scientists discovered that the cube shape is formed in the intestines, due to uneven elasticity in different sections of the colon.

Do quoll scats actually sparkle?

Yes, quoll scats can sparkle due to the presence of indigestible insect parts, such as the shiny wings of cicadas.

Is flying fox poop dangerous to cars and houses?

No, flying fox scat is actually less corrosive than bird droppings, despite a common urban legend.

Considering the wide range of scat characteristics across Australian wildlife, what other surprising adaptations might be hidden within the natural world?