Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Diprotodontia
- Family
- Macropodidae
- Genus
- Setonix
Habitat
Quokkas primarily inhabit dense scrublands, forests, and heathlands in southwestern Australia, including offshore islands like Rottnest Island. They prefer areas with thick vegetation for shelter and proximity to water sources. This terrain provides protection from predators and harsh weather conditions.
Diet
Quokkas are herbivores that mainly eat grasses, leaves, stems, and shrubs. They forage nocturnally, using their strong teeth to grind plant material, and may also consume bark or roots when other food is scarce.
Behavior
Quokkas are social animals that live in small family groups or loose colonies, often sharing dens in thick vegetation. They are primarily nocturnal, spending days resting in shaded areas and nights foraging; they exhibit curious and bold behavior around humans but can be territorial during mating season. Quokkas are agile climbers and swimmers, using these skills to escape threats.
Conservation Status
The IUCN classifies the quokka as Vulnerable, with a decreasing population trend due to habitat loss from urban development and predation by introduced species.