Phascolonus is an extinct genus of giant wombat known from the Pliocene[1] and Pleistocene of Australia. There is only a single known species, Phascolonus gigas, the largest wombat ever known to have existed, estimated to weigh as much as 200 kg (450 lb)[2] or 360 kg (790 lb).[3] It was described by Richard Owen in 1859. Phascolomys magnus is a probable junior synonym.[3]P. gigas is distinguished from other wombats by its strap-shaped upper incisors. The cranial roof also is noticeably inwardly depressed.[3] The species was abundant across Australia, with remains having been found in all states except Western Australia. It is suggested to have had a preference for arid and semi-arid inland habitats, with a diet consisting of a high amount of low quality vegetation. Though it likely had wide home-ranges, it probably did not stray far from fresh water sources.[4] Abundant remains have been found in Pleistocene aged deposits from Lake Callabonna in South Australia.[3] Unlike its living relatives, it is unlikely that Phascolonus engaged in burrowing.[5]Phascolonus disappeared during the Late PleistoceneQuaternary extinction event around 50-40,000 years ago, together with many other large Australian animals, following the arrival of humans to the Australian continent.[4][6] Phylogenetic analysis suggests that is closely related to the other giant wombat genera Ramsayia and Sedophascolomys.[3]
Owen, Richard (1858). "Odontology". The Encyclopedia Britannica, or Dictionary of Arts, Sciences and General Literature. Vol. 16 (Eighth ed.). pp. 447, 450, figure 80.
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