Quokka

Setonix brachyurus

Conservation Status

Near Threatened

Mammalia · Diprotodontia · Macropodidae

About

The quokka is a small macropod about the size of a domestic cat. It is the only member of the genus Setonix. Like other marsupials in the macropod family, the quokka is herbivorous and mainly nocturnal.

Fun Fact

Quokkas became internet-famous as 'the world's happiest animal' because their facial structure creates a natural smile — they are found almost exclusively on Western Australia's Rottnest Island, which was named 'rat's nest' by Dutch explorers who mistook them for rats.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Scrublands and coastal heath

Diet

Herbivore

Lifespan

10-15 years

Threats

Poaching
Illegal Wildlife Trade
Agricultural Conversion

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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