Quokka

The Quokka is a type of small wallaby. It has thick greyish brown fur with lighter brown under surfaces. It has a brown face, short rounded ears, black eyes and a black nose. Its feet, paws and short tail are brown. The males are bigger than the females.

Quokkas sleep during the day in small groups amongst dense vegetation, becoming very active at night, when they gather around water holes with up to 150 other individuals.

Around 10,000 Quokkas live on Rottnest Island in Western Australia, but very small populations also survive on the mainland’s south-west forests. Overall the species is listed as vulnerable due to predation by feral animals (cats and foxes), altered fire patterns and habitat loss.

Quokkas are herbivores, generally eating a variety of native grasses, leaves, seeds, roots and shrubs. However, they are able to rely on stored fats in their tails for energy during periods of time when food is scarce.

As anyone who has been to Rottnest would know, fresh water is in short supply, so it’s just as well that Quokkas can survive on very little of it – lasting up to a month without a drink. They also have a remarkable ability to regulate their body temperature, being able to cope with temperatures as high as 44°C.

Quokkas have a short breeding season which happens in late summer. Just 27 days after mating, a female can give birth to a single pink, hairless and blind joey, that stays in her pouch for up to 30 weeks.

Quokkas love:

• swamps and scrublands – Quokkas sleep during the day amongst dense vegetation but become very active at night.
• seeking shade – Quokkas look for the best shelter on hot summer days, allowing them to rest or sleep comfortably.

But they don’t like:

• cats and foxes – Quokkas are at risk of predation from these feral animals.
• land-clearing – which robs them of their preferred densely vegetated habitat and forces them into fragmented pockets.
• dry habitats and warmer temperatures – although highly adaptable, it is unclear how Quokkas will cope with a changing climate.

Try to:

• enjoy watching Quokkas on their own terms if visiting them at Rottnest Island or other places.
• take care when driving or cycling near where they live.
• keep your distance from Quokkas as they can catch diseases from humans.

Avoid:

• feeding Quokkas human food as this could be detrimental to their health.
• littering, especially near their habitats, as consumption of food high in salt leaves Quokkas dehydrated.
• intervening in Quokkas’ interaction with their environment, as this could lead to stress and a disruption of their lives.

Although Quokkas don’t visit our backyards, they need our help to keep their habitat clean and healthy. Simple things that you do can make a huge difference to Australia’s animals. That’s why the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife runs Backyard Buddies – to give you tips to help our wonderful wildlife.

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• Quokka

  

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  The Quokka is a type of small wallaby. It has thick greyish brown fur with lighter brown under surfaces. It has a brown face, short rounded ears, black eyes and a black nose. Its feet, paws and short tail are brown. The males are bigger than the females.
  

   

  The Quokka bounds and hops along the ground although it can climb trees if it needs to. It will sit on its hind legs to look around and will also use its front paws to search for and pick up food. It is the only mammal which is native to Rottnest Island and can be found almost everywhere on the Island. It is mainly nocturnal. This means that it is mostly active at night, preferring to rest or sleep in the shade during the day.

   

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