The Quokka (Setonix brachyurus), the only member of the genus Setonix, is a small macropod about the size of a domestic cat.[2] Like other marsupials in the macropod family (such as the kangaroos and wallabies), the Quokka is herbivorous and mainly nocturnal. It can be found on some smaller islands off the coast of Western Australia, in particular on Rottnest Island just off Perth and Bald Island near Albany. A small mainland colony exists in the protected area of Two Peoples Bay, where they co-exist with Gilbert's Potoroo.
| Quokka | |
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| Genus: | Setonix Lesson, 1842
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| Species: | S. brachyurus
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| Setonix brachyurus | |
Ecology
In the wild, its roaming is restricted to a very small range in the South-West of Western Australia. The Quokka has become rare, but is found in a number of small scattered populations on the mainland, one large population on Rottnest Island and smaller populations on Bald Island, Garden Island and Penguin Island. The islands are free of foxes and cats. On Rottnest Island, it is common and occupies a variety of habitats ranging from semi-arid scrub to cultivated gardens.[3]
Description
It weighs 2.5 to 5 kg and is 40 to 54 cm long with a 25 to 30 cm tail — which is rather short for a macropod. It has a stocky build, rounded ears, and a short, broad head. Although looking rather like a very small, dumpy kangaroo, it can climb small trees and shrubs. Its coarse fur is a grizzled brown colour, fading to buff underneath. The Quokka recycles a small amount of its waste products[citation needed].
Interaction with humans
The Quokka has no fear of humans and it is common for it to approach them closely, particularly on Rottnest Island. It is, however, illegal for members of the public on Rottnest Island to handle the animals in any way. An infringement notice carrying a A$300 fine can be issued by the Rottnest Island Authority for such behaviour.[4] However, prosecution of the offence can result in a fine of up to $2000.[5] Such fines are implemented in the rare cases that Quokkas are abused or killed by visitors to Rottnest.[6]
Status
Although numerous on the small offshore islands, it has a very restricted range and is classified as vulnerable. On the mainland, where it is threatened by most introduced predatory species such as foxes, it requires dense ground cover for refuge. Agricultural development has reduced this habitat, and has thus contributed to the decline of the species. Introduced cats and dogs, as well as dingoes, have added to the problem, as have the clearing and burning of the remaining swamplands.
European discovery
The Quokka was one of the first Australian mammals seen by Europeans. The Dutch mariner Samuel Volckertzoon wrote of sighting "a wild cat" on Rottnest Island in 1658. In 1696 Willem de Vlamingh mistook them for rats and named the island "Rottenest", Dutch for "rat nest".
Name
The word Quokka is derived from a Nyungar word, which was probably Gwaga.[7]
In popular culture
The roguelike game Dungeon Crawl includes the Quokka as one of the ungulate/quadruped monsters, represented by a 'q', and is the only extant species in that category. The in-game description simply states: "Don't call it a rat."
References
- ^ Template:IUCN2008 Database entry includes justification for why this species is listed as vulnerable
- ^ Groves, C. P. (2005). Wilson, D. E.; Reeder, D. M. (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 69. ISBN 0-801-88221-4. OCLC 62265494.
- ^ "A close encounter of the furry kind". Australian Geographic. 2010. Retrieved 2010-04-22.
- ^ Rottnest Island Regulations 1988 (WA), rr 40 & 73; sched. 4
- ^ Rottnest Island Regulations 2007 (WA), r 40
- ^ "Rare marsupials kicked to death in 'quokka soccer'", The Daily Telegraph, 2003
- ^ Dixon, R.M.W.; Moore, Bruce; Ramson, W. S.; Thomas, Mandy (2006). Australian Aboriginal Words in English: Their Origin and Meaning (2nd ed. ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-554073-5.
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