Quokka

Quokka

Description: Scientifically known as the Setonix Brachyurous, which is the only member of the genus Setonix. This animal belongs to the family known as macropods and is about as small as a house cat. Macropods include kangaroos, wallabies, tree-kangaroos, pademelons, and quokkas. This animal, like many other macropods, is nocturnal and is a herbivore. This animal typically weighs 5-11 pounds and about 1.5-2 feet long, including a long tail measuring about a foot long. It has a stocky build, with rounded ears and a short broad head. Some people regard this animal as “the happiest animal on earth” due to the fact that it seemingly always has a smile on its face. The Quokka is also has no fear of humans and it is commonly approached by humans. It is estimated that there are about 12,000 of these animals left on earth, while 7,000 are believed to live on Rottnest Island.

 

Habitat and Range: These animals can be found off the coast of Australia, in particular on an island called Rottnest Island. These were actually the first Australian mammals seen by the Europeans. They saw this animal and named the island “Rotte nest”, which in Dutch means “rat nest” as they had no idea what this animal was. On this island, the Quokkas commonly occupy a variety of habitats from semi-arid scrub to cultivated gardens. One favorite plant the Quokka enjoys eating is called the Guichenotia.

Importance and Role in the Ecosystem: The Quokka plays a vital role in its ecosystem. The plants on the coastal island could become overgrown as this is the Quokka’s main diet. Also, many of the birds that depend on this animal for food may become famished. When people first came to this island, many of these animals were viewed as giant rats and were unfortunately killed. But, along with clearing and burning of certain areas, the human interaction with these animals also negatively affects their population due to humans feeding them food that is bad for their digestive system. These animals regulate the plants and flowers it eats and is a popular animal to want to see in these areas of the world. There is actually a funny article about why these animals need to be saved and how many people love taking pictures of them and viewing them. http://www.buzzfeed.com/samimain/behold-the-quokka#.aoK4BPBv

Cause of Decline: The populations of these animals seem to vary in the short term, but are stable if you look at the long term population estimates. But, recently, habitat clearing and the introduction to foxes and feral cats has led to a decline in the population of the Quokka. In some areas, there have been foxes that have been controlled by certain people, which have led to increased population in some areas. But, clearing and burning of these certain areas is a main contributor to the decline of this animal.

 

Current Conservation Efforts: Many family groups of Quokkas have already been placed in reserves where they are kept safe from predators. This is actually helping the population stay steady and help keep the number of these animals above 10,000. Maybe if the human interaction law with these animals was stricter, we would also help save some of these animals as we are the main cause of decline.

How Can You Help: By not feeding these animals food that they are not used to, we can save some of the Quokka population because this sometimes makes the animals sick and can die. We can try to regulate how much logging we do in this area as we are destroying the homes of these animals and others alike. There are many reserves out there that are trying to keep these animals alive and make sure the population does not drop anymore. By donating or even trying to spread awareness of this animals condition, we can save the Quokkas!