The Quokka

This cute little thing is the Quokka! Its a small marsupial (about the size of a domestic cat) all on its own in the genus Setonix and is a macropod like the Kangaroo and Wallabie. The Quokkas latin name is  Setonix brachyurus. The Quokkas diet consists of grass, sedges, succulents and leaves.

This little marsupial lives  in Western Australia, mainly on Rottnest Island (near Perth). They also exist in small groups on the mainland in bushland surrounding Perth.

Even though there are a number of populations of quokkas on small offshore islands, due to their very small range they are classified as vulnerable! They are often threatened by predators like the fox, and introduced animals like dogs and cats, even people have contributed to their decline. There have been cases of Quokkas being fed foods like bread that will kill them and also in traffic accidents. Furthermore the Quokkas natural range is being threatened by agriculture and the cleaning and burning of swampland.

None the less this adorable animals is not going anywhere any time soon, so lets just stare adoringliy at its happy little face!

Having a happy little munch!