This happy little guy is called a quokka. The quokka is a small marsupial about the size of a domestic cat. Like other marsupials in the macropod family (such as the kangaroos and wallabies), the quokka is herbivorous and mainly nocturnal. The quokka is very friendly and often approaches humans, maybe because they are too happy looking to be abused, they see everyone as friends... |
![]() |
The quokka 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 Nature Reserve, where they co-exist with Gilbert's potoroo. |
|
![]() |
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 giant rats and named the island "Rotte nest", which comes from the Dutch words rattennest meaning "rat nest". |
|
![]() |
The quokka weighs 2.5 to 5 kilograms (5.5 to 11 lb) and is 40 to 90 centimeters (16 to 35 in) long with a 25 to 30 centimetres (9.8 to 12 in)-long tail, which is fairly 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 color, fading to buff underneath. |
|
![]() |
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. In addition, prosecution of the offense can result in a fine of up to $2,000. |
|
![]() |
In the wild, its roaming is restricted to a very small range in the South-West of Western Australia, with a number of small scattered populations on the mainland, one large population on Rottnest Island and a smaller population on Bald Island near Albany. The islands are free of foxes and cats. On Rottnest, quokkas are common and occupy a variety of habitats ranging from semi-arid scrub to cultivated gardens. |
|
![]() |
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. Clearfell logging and agricultural development has reduced this habitat, thus contributing to the decline of the species. The introduction of cats and dogs, as well as dingoes, has added to the problem, as has the clearing and burning of the remaining (swamp) lands. |
|
![]() |
Have a good day everyone! |
Submitted by: Jackie D.
The Land of Ice, Snow and Whimsical Nature in 19 Photos
Admire 19 picturesque photos of nature in one of the most whimsical and stunning place on the planet - Iceland.
The Colors of Nature Are Truly Spectacular
Sometimes, those that differ from the crowd shine the brightest, as these unique brightly-colored animals prove.
This Majestic Wildlife Photography Has an Important Cause
Some of the biggest wildlife photogrpahers used their talent to raise money for Africa's nature reserves, by selling breathtaking prints.
The Natural Charm that Is Finland and Its Wildlife...
Photos by Ossi Saarinen of the Finnish nature and cutest wildlife.
INTERACTIVE: 26 of the Cutest & Prettiest Animal Posts!
From pandas to bunnies, from tigers to hedgehogs, this interactive collection promises animal lovers a terrific time!
20 Stunning Photos That'll Bring Happiness to Your Day
without saying anything, here are 20 photos that say a thousand words.
Nature’s Beauty & Drama Captured in 14 Award-Winning Pics
Check out the outstanding winning images from the 2024 HIPA awards.
Inside a Red Fox's Den, You Will Find... Cute Baby Foxes!
Watch a family of fox babies grow from cuddly grey balls of fur into playful little pups. We must say, it's one of the cutest things we ever did see!
Monster of the Deep? Nope, Just a Pigeon-Eating Fish!
The Wels Catfish isn't your average fish. It has a taste for pigeons!
You'll Only Get to See These Beautiful Flowers in Spring
Here's a collection of some of the most stunning images that showcase the beauty of these lovely trees.
I Never Knew Mushrooms Could Be So Beautiful
Photographer Steve Axford captures some of the world's most fascinating mushrooms. Take a look.
The Most Incredible Animal Friendships!
in reality, animals can sometimes remind us of childhood stories and tv programs - sometimes the unlikely friendships are indeed made by animals, and here's the proof:
The Icy Reaches of Antarctica Are Breathtakingly Beautiful
Antarctica is a continent completely covered in a thick layer of ice. It is harsh, cold, and majestic.
The Friendliest Dolphin You've Ever Seen...
Diving into the crystal clear waters with Jojo is to go on a super joyful and happy adventure!
These Are Definitely the Oddest Couples I Could Imagine...
These strange couples destroy all my previous notions about animal relationships.
This Stunning Bird of Prey Video Will Leave You in Awe!
Be humbled by the extreme beauty of these birds of prey in their natural environment.
The 8 Most Beautiful Bulbs to Plant in Spring
Here are the best spring flowering bulbs for your garden.
15 Rare and Beautiful Birds I Can't Stop Staring At
This is a collection of 15 of the most beautiful and rare species of colorful birds that, unfortunately, are nearing extinction.
The Glass Butterfly: One of Nature's Most Beautiful Creatures
The 'Great Oto' butterfly is nicknamed the 'glass butterfly' and it's easy to see why. It may just be the most beautiful butterfly of all.
17 Curious Clouds That Make You Look Twice At The Sky
These curious cloud shapes will leave you looking at the sky differently.
The Very Best of Undersea Photography – 15 Beautiful Pics
Check out the amazing winners of the 2021 Ocean Photography Awards.
This Fish’s Bite is Faster Than Your Blink
This is probably the weirdest fish you will ever see.
This Photographer Gets Closer to Animals Than Anyone
Valérie Derome-Massé is one of the most talented wildlife photographers to emerge in a long time. You'll be amazed by how close she gets to her subjects.
Crows - The Geniuses of the Bird World!
Watch this next video to see how smart a crow can really be, and we still have more to learn about how these amazing birds think.
Wild Ocean Moments That Will Leave You Overawed (17 Pics)
From eerie deep-sea creatures to unexplained waves and vanishing ships, these ocean photos will send a chill down your spine.
The Most Colorful Birds Will Make Your Day!
Nature never stops surprising us, we invite you to enjoy pictures of the following 14 exotic birds that show the magic of nature and its endless variety.
These Dogs Are The Perfect Companions For Older Adults!
Everyone loves companionship, and for dog-lovers there's nothing more painful that wanting a furry friend and not having one. Age is no factor for pet-having, and these 20 dogs prove it!
Gallery: Intimate Glimpses Into the Lives of Wild Animals
These intimate wildlife photos will remind you precious nature is.
The Wildest Things You’ve Never Seen in Nature (16 Pics)
These photos redefine how we see the natural world.
Gallery: 2024 Natural Landscape Photography Winners!
Check out the amazing winners of the 2024 Natural Landscape Photography Awards.
The Best Photos of the Milky Way Taken From Perfect Places
Take a look at the vivid colors of the Milky Way from the most remote and gorgeous locations in the world in this collection of photographs
Macro Photography: Pretty Ladybugs in Extreme Close-Ups
Let’s take a close-up look at the fascinating world of ladybugs through the lens of Makis Bitos.
20 Ways to Turn that Blank Wall into a Vertical Garden
Gardening can be done anywhere and sometimes you just don't have land. That hasn't stopped these creative people from growing plants in all sorts of spaces.
Do Our Cats Love Us? A Fascinating Experiment
This cat owner decided to put his 2 cats to a test usually prescribed to toddlers.
The Intense Colors of These Animals Are Simply Astonishing
Though a lot of animals keep themselves to themselves, this collection of vibrant beasties want the world to see their colorful beauty!
This Has to Be the Most Adorable Predator You'll Ever See
Polar bear cubs are absolutely adorable, and Nora is no exception. The Oregon Zoo decided to send her off with a video of her younger days.
13 of the Most Unusual Plants & Veggies Found in Gardens
Here's a collection of some of the most unusual plants and vegetables that people found in their gardens.
The Beauty of Flowers as You've Rarely Seen Them Before
Watch as these flowers, move, open and flourish in stunning colors.
How's it Possible that These Roses Last for 3+ Years?
Wouldn't it be a beautiful idea to receive a rose that may last a lifetime? These flowers just might...
How Deep Does the Ocean Go? This Animation Reveals All!
Just how deep is the ocean? This interesting animation by Tech Insider reveals all.
15 of the Weirdest Creatures from Around the World
Our world is inhabited by some truly bizarre and rare animals you have probably never seen before. Take a look at few such creatures.
Award-Winning Nature Photos That Left Us Amazed (15 Pics)
Check out the awe-inspiring winners of the 2024 Nature’s Best International Photography Awards.
10 of the Largest Living Birds in the World
Check out this list of the largest and heaviest birds that inhabit our planet today.
Up Close and Personal with Some Adorable Wolf Cubs
Scottish film maker Gordon Buchanan gets up close and personal with some adorable wolf cubs. These cubs will brighten your day.
These Siamese Fighting Fish Look Like Rainbows
If you thought you knew all about fish, this colorful Siamese Fighting Fish will make you think twice, and look admiringly. I'm in love with these beauties!
Nature in Fast-Forward: 1000 Days of Mushrooms
Showcasing 13 different types of fungi, the video is a mesmerizing journey through the growth and transformation of these incredible organisms.
Is it a Raccoon? Is it a Dog? No. It’s a 'Raccoon Dog'!
Tanuki, or the Japanese raccoon dog, is a unique species. Its neither a dog, nor a raccoon. So what is it?
To enable your Ad-Free Subscription, please fill the fields below
Your subscription was successful, now you can enjoy an ad-free experience!!
Note: To make sure you get no ads, please make sure to log in to your account. If you are logged in already, then refresh the page. The subscription can be cancelled at any time.