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What is a quokka? -

The quokka is a mammal and a member of the kangaroo and wallaby family (Macropodidae). The marsupials have round ears and are about the size of small cats.

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How much do quokkas weigh? -

Fully grown quokkas weigh between 2.5 to 5 kg (5.5 to 11 lbs). They also stand about 40 to 54 cm (16 to 21 inches) tall.

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Where do quokkas live? -

The majority of quokkas live on Rottnest Island (Wadjemup), which is located off the coast of Western Australia near Perth. Smaller populations also inhabit Bald Island, near Albany, and mainland Australia.

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A vulnerable species -

Quokkas are listed as a vulnerable species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, as their population has significantly declined in recent decades. Foxes and feral cats in mainland Australia are some of the biggest threats to quokkas.

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Climate change -

Increased temperatures and wildfires due to climate change are destroying quokkas' shelter and food sources, making survival harder for this vulnerable species.

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Quokkas were confused for rodents -

When Dutch captain Willem de Vlamingh came across quokkas in 1696, he mistook the animals for rats. He named their home Rottnest Island, which translates to rat's nest.

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Quokkas are nocturnal -

Quokkas are nocturnal and spend the day sleeping. When you do catch them snoozing, you might find them beneath shady bushes in an upright position. The best time to see them out and about is early mornings and late afternoons.

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No natural predators -

Quokkas have no natural predators, which allows them to thrive on Wadjemup. However, their primary threat today is climate change, which is impacting their habitat and resources.

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Lifespan -

On average, in the wild, quokkas can live for about 10 years. In captivity, they can live up to 13.8 years. They are able to breed from about 18 months of age.

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Quokka reproduction -

Quokkas give birth just 27 days after mating. 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.

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How long do joey quokkas stay in their mother's pouch? -

Joey quokkas typically stay in their mother's pouch for six months. After they leave the pouch, they continue to nurse and stay with their mother for several more months, usually up to one year.

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What happens when quokka mothers are threatened? -

When threatened, quokka mothers may expel their joeys from their pouches. This behavior allows the mother to escape from the predator more quickly, though it's a last-resort strategy.

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What do quokkas eat? -

Quokkas are herbivores. Their diet mainly consists of leaves, grasses, and stems. They also consume fruits and flowers when available. When food is scarce, they can draw on stored fats in their tails for energy. 

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What do quokkas eat? -

Fresh water is in short supply on Rottnest, so quokkas have evolved so they can survive on very little of it, lasting up to a month without a drink.

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Why do quokkas smile? -

Quokkas are often described as smiling because of their facial structure and the way their mouths curve up at the corners. This smile isn't an expression of happiness, but rather a result of their facial anatomy.

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How do quokkas move? -

Quokkas move around by hopping, similar to a kangaroo. They are also good climbers and can use their sharp claws to climb small shrubs and trees.

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Quokka selfies -

The Wadjemup quokka population has become very accustomed to humans. In recent years, "quokka selfies" have become popular with tourists. Even actor Chris Hemsworth and Blackpink member Lisa have snapped pictures with the animals.

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Never feed the quokkas -

If you visit Wadjemup, feeding the quokkas is prohibited because it can make them dependent on humans for food, disrupt the natural balance of the ecosystem, and upset their digestive systems if they are given human food.

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Don't touch the quokkas -

Touching quokkas can make them sick, spread disease, and even cause mothers to abandon their young if they carry an unfamiliar scent, so it's best to observe them from a distance.

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Stick to the footpaths -

There is a network of hiking and cycling paths around Wadjemup designed to protect the native flora and fauna, which serve as natural habitats for quokkas and other wildlife.

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Simply observe the quokkas -

Wadjemup quokkas are wild animals and have not been trained or confined. This means you are visiting their natural environment and should remain respectful by observing them from a safe distance.

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Let the quokkas come to you -

Quokkas are curious creatures and may approach you. Never chase a quokka and never pet or cuddle them. Remember, they are wild animals and can bite.

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Other Wadjemup wildlife -

Wadjemup isn’t just home to quokkas; it also hosts a variety of wildlife not found on the mainland, including golden whistlers and king skinks. There are also over 135 species of tropical fish under the water.

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Can you keep a quokka as a pet? -

Quokkas are not domesticated, so removing them from the wild and keeping them as pets is cruel. Plus, their protected status means it's illegal to own a quokka as a pet. 

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Celebrities and quokkas -

In 2017, Roger Federer took a selfie with a quokka before the Australian Open. The photo, which he posted on Instagram, helped boost tourism to Wadjemup.

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Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge -

In 2014, Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge were introduced to a quokka during a wildlife show while on a visit to Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia.

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Quokkas in Australia Zoo -

In 2023, Robert Irwin, the son of the late Australian zookeeper and conservationist Steve Irwin, announced that Australia Zoo in Queensland had welcomed quokkas into its zoo family for the first time.

Sources: (Medium) (Trafalgar) (Howstuffworks) (Rottnest Island) (WWF)

See also: Prehistoric animals that still roam the Earth

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