Quokka - Facts, Information and Pictures | by Pets Planet...

The quokka is a mammal about the size of a cat, native to Australia. The quokka is a marsupial of the macropod family, and is similar in appearance to a small type of Wallaby. Quokkas are herbivores and they tend to be most active at night (nocturnal). Quokkas are believed to be one of the first mammals in Australia to be seen by Europeans, who described them as looking like wild cats. They were later mistaken for large rats. Rottnest "Rotte nest" Island was given its name because of this mistake, as this translates to 'rat's nest'. The quokka is considered to be a vulnerable species today.

Quokka Facts At A Glance

Other Name(s): short-tailed pademelon, short-tailed wallaby

Scientific name: Setonix brachyurus

Type of Animal: Marsupial (pouched mammal)

Animal Family: Macropodidae (the kangaroo family)

Where Found: southwest Australia, nearby islands

Length: 70 to 90 cm (27.5 to 35.5 in), including tail

Weight: 2 to 5 kg (4.4 to 11 lb.)

Conservation Status: Vulnerable

Other interesting Quokka facts: The quokka has become known as ‘the happiest animal in the world’, due to its permanently cheerful expression.

Reproduction

Quokkas give birth just 27 days after mating. The tiny, pink, hairless and blind joey then finds its way to the mother’s pouch where it stays for around six months. If the joey doesn’t survive, the mother can give birth to another one shortly after because she has others in her womb in a suspended state of development as a back-up in case tragedy befalls the older joey.

Like many macropods, when threatened, Quokka mothers may expel the joey from their pouch leaving it squealing on the ground. A chasing predator is attracted by this giving the mother time to get away. It sounds harsh but it’s better than both mother and baby ending up as prey. And it’s another good reason why Quokkas shouldn’t be interfered with on Rottnest.

Quokka Habitat & Behaviour

The quokka is usually found in areas with tall grass and water close by. The grass provides shade and protection from predators. The quokka is also known to climb trees and shrubs.

Quokkas are nocturnal (active at night), and spend the day either sleeping or resting in the shade (males will occasionally fight over spots that offer the best shelter).

Quokkas live in family groups that are led by dominant males. Large gatherings of up to 150 individuals can form by water holes at night.

Diet

Quokkas are herbivores that eat a variety of grasses and shrubs. When food is scarce they can draw on stored fat in their tails for energy to get them through. As travellers to the island might know, fresh water is in short supply on Rottnest so it’s just as well that Quokkas can survive on very little of it – lasting up to a month without a drink.

Population

Population threats

Presently, the primary concern to the population of this species is recreational development of Rottnest Island, which is the main range of the Quokka. As a result, the animal suffers from loss of its natural habitat as well as the risk of catching a human disease.

Population number

According to the IUCN Red List, the total population size of the Quokka is estimated to be 7,850-17,150 mature individuals, including specific populations in following areas: Rottnest Island - 4,000-8,000 animals; Bald Island - 500-2,000 Quokkas; Northern Jarrah forest - 150 animals; Southern forests - 2,000-5,000 individuals; South Coast - 1,200-2,000 animals. Currently, Quokkas are classified as Vulnerable (VU), and their numbers are decreasing.

Ecological niche

The Quokka serve as prey for the red foxes and dingoes, their natural predator.

Fun Facts for Kids

• Quokkas are able to reuse some of their waste products, due to which the animals can live without water for long periods of time. However, they are known to dig water holes and are capable of getting water from cacti and other succulent plants.
• According to a research, Quokka is capable of bearing high temperatures of up to 44°C (4) due to its thermoregulatory abilities. However, the possibility of dehydration is not ruled out.
• These animals are not at all afraid of humans. Moreover, they are known to approach people and frequent cafes and campsites to get free meals.
• Quokka has a rather charming appearance, which is hard to resists. Due to the shape and structure of its mouth, the animal seems to smile, which makes the Quokka appear super-happy. When it gets hot, the animal opens its mouth, panting like a dog and looking even happier!
• It is illegal to make pets out of Quokkas. Moreover, in spite of its loveliness, the animal is strictly prohibited to touch. Visitors are usually allowed to get near Quokkas in special reserves, where they can feast their eyes on the animals as well as take pictures. In a case of touching a Quokka, the violator may be fined up to Aus$2,000 and face prosecution. However, it's not clear whether this law is adopted to protect humans of the Quokkas.
• The word 'quokka' originates from the language of Nyungar (Noongar) people, who were aborigines of the area.

Here Some Beautiful Pictures Of Quokka's

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