9 Facts About the Quokka: The Smiling Marsupial

There is much more to these cute creatures than just their iconic smiles. Read on to learn about their surprising abilities and how these animals rose to fame. Here are 9 facts about the quokka.

1. They Belong to the Same Class of Animals as Kangaroos

Marsupials contain more than 250 species of animals, including kangaroos, wombats, and koalas. Opossums and wallabies also belong to this class. All marsupials are born prematurely and complete their development outside of their mother’s bodies. Many are carried in pouches, but this is not a feature all marsupials have.

2. Quokkas Were Discovered in the 1600s

Willem de Vlamingh was the first to discover quokkas in the late 1600s. He initially thought they were giant rats and proceeded to name the island he found them on, “Rottnest Island.” Today, approximately 10,000 quokkas live on the island. De Vlamingh is also believed to be the discoverer of black swans. He named the area he saw them in, “the Swan River.”

3. Unlike Some Marsupials Quokkas Can Climb

Quokkas have been documented climbing trees to reach foods high above the ground. Kangaroos and wallabies don’t have this important skill. Similar to koalas, quokkas are able to grasp branches. However, they can only remain in the branches for a few minutes at a time.

4. Quokkas Have Two Stomachs

To ensure they absorb as much energy from their food as possible, quokkas use their dual-digestive system. Food is broken down in their first stomach. Then, it goes into the second stomach where nutrients are extracted.

Like many other herbivores, quokkas only eat veggies. Their teeth are flat, like giraffes and horses—perfect for grinding grasses and shrubs.

5. They May Look Cute But They Can Bite!

If they feel threatened or provoked, quokkas can bite! They are also armed with a set of sharp claws. So while they may look cute, it’s best to respect their space and stay a safe distance away. They are still wild animals after all.

6. Quokkas Have Lost Over Half Their Habitat

A study conducted by John Woirnarski in 2014 revealed that quokkas have lost over half of their habitat. As a result, quokka numbers are dwindling, and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature has deemed the species as vulnerable to extinction.

The Rottnest Foundation continues to conduct research about the health and habitats of the quokka. They keep tabs on how the populations are doing based on five factors—body condition,  general health, presence of parasites, weaning rates, and survival measures.

7. Tips for Taking Your Own Quokka Selfie

According to the Nature Conservancy of Australia, the best time to snap a pic with a quokka is early in the morning or evening. This is when quokkas are most active. It is also important to never use food to lure quokkas close as human food can be unbelievably bad for their digestive systems.

If you get lucky enough to find yourself close to a quokka, remember not to touch them. Human scents may cause mothers to leave their young!

8. Humans Have Altered Their Sleep Patterns

Quokkas were originally nocturnal animals, meaning they would sleep during the day and come out to explore at night. However, due to increased human activity, quokkas have changed their patterns of activity. They’re now found roaming during the day and returning to their dens at night. This shift allows them to scavenge for food tourists leave behind.

If you look at the picture above, you’ll also notice that quokkas sleep in quite an interesting position. They’re often found sleeping with their heads resting between their feet. How cute!

9. Quokkas Are Master Survivors

Amazingly, quokkas can survive for weeks without eating any food. Their short tails contain fat stores that they can draw on for energy. Even more remarkably, they can go for months without a drop of water! In emergencies, they extract water from vegetation.