The quokka (Setonix brachyurus) is a small marsupial found in Australia. It is the only member of the genus Setonix. These animals are unique for several reasons: they are one of the few species that can smile, and they are the only mammal that can store water in their tail.
Quokkas typically inhabit dense forests and woodlands, but can also be found near coastal areas.
They are herbivores and eat leaves, flowers, and grasses.
Quokka Appearance
Quokkas have short brown fur and are about the size of a domestic cat. They have long hind legs and small front legs.
Quokkas are small marsupials that weigh around 1.5 kg (3-4 lbs.). They have a spherical, compact form that is 40 to 54 cm long (16 to 21 in.).
Their tail is used to store water, and they have a pouch on their stomach where they carry their young.
Quokka Life Cycle
The life cycle of a quokka begins with the mating season, which takes place from January to March. After a gestation period of about 28 days, the female quokka gives birth to a single joey.
The joey will stay in its mother’s pouch for about five months before it is ready to venture out on its own. Once it leaves the pouch, the young quokka will continue to live with its mother until it is around 18 months old.
After that, the quokka will go off on its own to find a mate and start the cycle anew.
Quokkas are relatively long-lived animals, with a lifespan of up to 12 years in the wild and up to 15 years in captivity.
Quokka Diet
As mentioned before, quokkas are herbivores. Their diet consists of leaves, flowers, and grasses. They can get all the water they need from the plants they eat.
In captivity, quokkas are often fed a diet of fruits and vegetables as well as hay and pellets.
Quokka Habitat
Quokkas are found in dense forests and woodlands, but they can also be found near coastal areas. They are native to Australia and can be found on Rottnest Island and Bald Island, as well as in zoos around the world.
Rottnest Island is a small island off the coast of Perth, Western Australia. It is home to a large population of quokkas and is a popular tourist destination for people who want to see these animals up close.
Conservation Status
The quokka is listed as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
This is due to habitat loss and degradation, as well as predators such as foxes and cats on the mainland.
The biggest threat to quokkas is climate change.
As the climate gets warmer, the quokkas’ habitat is getting drier and they are at risk of dehydration and forest fires. To protect these animals, it is important to preserve their habitat and reduce human-caused pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
