Wombats maintain a body temperature of 35°C, which is lower than most other mammals.

Wombats are known for having one of the lowest metabolic rates among all placental mammals. While the average human body temperature is approximately 37°C, the common wombat (Vombatus ursinus) maintains a core temperature of about 35°C. This lower temperature is a specific evolutionary adaptation to their nutrient-poor diet and the extreme climate of Australia.Research published in the Journal of Comparative Physiology indicates that a wombat's metabolic rate is about 25% to 30% lower than other mammals of similar size. By keeping their internal furnace at a lower setting, they significantly reduce their daily energy requirements. This is crucial because their diet consists mainly of native grasses and sedges, which are high in fiber but very low in calories.This energy-saving strategy also extends to their digestion, which can take up to 14 days to complete. Because they burn energy so slowly, wombats can survive for long periods without food or water during droughts. Their burrows also play a role, as the stable underground environment helps them maintain this lower body temperature without using extra energy for thermoregulation.Studies by researchers like Dr. Graeme Coulson from the University of Melbourne have highlighted how these physiological traits allow wombats to thrive in environments where other herbivores might struggle. Their low body temperature is not a sign of illness but a highly efficient biological design. This adaptation makes them one of the most resilient marsupials on the continent.