Wombats have 12 sets of sensitive whiskers on their faces and legs to help them navigate in total darkness.

Wombats are nocturnal marsupials that spend up to 75% of their lives underground in complex tunnel systems. To navigate these environments, they rely on vibrissae, which are specialized hairs much thicker and more deeply rooted than standard fur. While most mammals only have facial whiskers, wombats possess 12 distinct groups of these sensors located on their muzzles, eyebrows, and even their forelimbs.The base of each vibrissa is packed with mechanoreceptors that send immediate neural signals to the somatosensory cortex of the brain. Research conducted by biologists at institutions like the University of Adelaide has shown that these whiskers are sensitive enough to detect minute changes in air currents and physical vibrations. This allows the wombat to build a 3D mental map of its surroundings even when its vision is completely useless in the dark.This tactile system is essential for survival because it prevents the wombat from getting stuck in narrow tunnels or colliding with roots. The presence of whiskers on the legs is particularly unique, as it helps the animal gauge the texture and stability of the ground before putting its full weight down. This evolutionary adaptation ensures that wombats can maintain high mobility and safety while foraging or escaping predators during the night.