The quokka (Setonix brachyurus) is a small marsupial native to Western Australia, often called "the happiest animal in the world" due to its permanent smile and friendly demeanor. Their unique appearance, cat-sized body, round ears, and charming smile have made them global social media sensations, especially on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

However, behind the adorable smile lies a vulnerable species facing significant threats. Conservation efforts and responsible tourism are crucial to ensuring their long-term survival.

Where Do Quokkas Live?

Quokkas primarily inhabit Rottnest Island, where the population size fluctuates between 8,000 and 12,000 individuals. Smaller populations also exist on Bald Island and some fragmented mainland locations with dense vegetation near water sources.

A significant discovery was made in late 2024, when a new quokka population was identified in the Perth Hills region, offering hope for the species’ continued preservation.

Rottnest Island remains the safest habitat for quokkas because it is free from introduced predators like foxes, feral cats, and dingoes, which have severely impacted mainland populations.

What Makes Quokkas Special?

Quokkas have adapted remarkably to their environment. Some key facts:

• Size: Approximately 40 cm (16 inches) in length, weighing 2.5 to 5 kg (5.5 to 11 lbs).
• Diet: Quokkas are herbivores, feeding on grasses, leaves, stems, and berries, including fig fruits.
• Lifespan: They live an average of 10 years.
• Social Behavior: Quokkas are social creatures, often forming mobs of up to 50 individuals.
• Reproduction: On the mainland, quokkas breed year-round, while on Rottnest and Bald Island, breeding occurs only once a year, between February and April.

Quokkas are nocturnal, resting during the day and foraging at night. They can survive extended periods without water by metabolizing fat stored in their tails.

Conservation Status and Threats to Quokkas

Despite their fame, quokkas are classified as a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List. Their population has significantly declined over the past century due to several threats:

Key Threats:

• Habitat Loss and Wildfires: Extensive wildfires over the past 100 years, especially on Rottnest Island, have destroyed much of the quokkas' natural vegetation, reducing food sources and shelter.
• Predators: Although Rottnest Island remains predator-free, on the mainland, foxes, feral cats, and dingoes pose a severe threat to quokkas.
• Climate Change: Rising temperatures and decreasing rainfall are affecting food availability and habitat quality.
• Disease – Toxoplasmosis: Quokkas are susceptible to toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection that can cause muscle weakness, neurological damage, and even death. It is commonly spread by feral cats but can also be transmitted by rats and other animals.
• Human Interaction: Feeding quokkas human food, such as bread and chips, can cause malnutrition and dehydration.

Who Works to Protect Quokkas?

Several dedicated organizations are working tirelessly to protect quokkas and their habitats through conservation projects, volunteer programs, and public awareness campaigns.

1. Rottnest Island Authority (RIA)

• Manages Rottnest Island and its biodiversity, including the quokka population.
• Oversees sustainable tourism and conservation activities, including habitat restoration and wildlife monitoring.
• Organizes annual volunteer programs involving habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, and conservation education.

How to Get Involved in 2025:

• Beach clean-ups: RIA offers group beach clean-up sessions, lasting approximately 90 minutes, helping to keep the quokkas' habitat clean and healthy.

2. Rottnest Foundation

• Supports habitat restoration projects, including tree planting and quokka health research.
• In 2025, the foundation has scheduled three volunteer days for tree planting and habitat restoration:
  • July 5, 2025
  • August 23, 2025
  • November 2025 (exact date to be confirmed)

How to Get Involved: Visit the Rottnest Foundation website for registration details and event updates.

3. Rottnest Society

• A non-profit organization that plants approximately 12,500 native trees annually on Rottnest Island.
• Tree planting events are scheduled between June and August 2025, where up to 50 volunteers can participate at a time.

How to Get Involved: Check their official website for the latest event dates and registration.

4. Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA)

• Engages volunteers in various conservation activities on Rottnest Island, including:
  • Fence construction
  • Native tree planting
  • Dune rehabilitation

How to Get Involved: Visit the CVA website for the most current event schedule and volunteer opportunities.

Our Commitment: 5% for Quokka Conservation

At our webshop, 5% of every purchase goes directly to the Rottnest Foundation to support quokka conservation efforts, including habitat restoration, reforestation, and public education projects.

Your support helps fund essential conservation activities such as the 2025 tree planting events and ongoing protection of quokka habitats.

Join the #QuokkaPlanet Movement!

We believe in building a community that cares about quokkas and wildlife conservation.

How You Can Participate:

• 📸 Share Your Story: Post a picture with your quokka-themed product and use the hashtag #QuokkaPlanet to inspire others to support conservation.
• 📲 Follow Us: Stay connected on Instagram and TikTok for updates, conservation stories, and more ways to help!

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Why Shop With Us?

• 3% of All Sales support the Rottnest Foundation's conservation efforts.
• Join the #QuokkaPlanet Movement and inspire others with your story.
• Support Ongoing Conservation Projects while enjoying unique quokka-themed products.
  
  

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