Quokkas: The Happiest Animals on Earth

Quokkas are herbivores, which are mainly nocturnal, meaning they are mainly nocturnal. In addition to grass, they eat the leaves, stems and bark of many plants. If necessary, they can survive for long periods without food or water by living off fat stored in their tails.

Quokkas - The Happiest Animals


Source: Animalogic

Quokkas often dig their own water holes and can obtain water from succulent plants such as cacti, although this species can in fact live for months without drinking water, due to its ability to reuse certain substances. their waste. However, prolonged periods without rain resulted in hot, dry conditions and dehydration, and individuals furthest from water had the highest mortality rates. Additionally, hot temperatures deplete plants of their water and nitrogen stores, creating nitrogen deficiency problems. Many studies have shown that quokkas have excellent thermoregulation, being able to withstand temperatures up to 44°C.

How do Quokkas spawn?

On land, quokkas can breed year-round, but on Rottnest they only spawn from January to August. After a month of pregnancy, the female gives birth to a pup called Joey. Females can give birth twice a year.
Joey lived in his mother’s pocket for six months. After leaving the bag, young Joey relied on her mother for milk for another two months. At 1.5 years old, the quokka is old enough to have a life of its own. In the wild, quokkas can live up to ten years.

Quokka Habitat

Quokka inhabits a wide variety of habitats, and although it appears to prefer wooded lands and humid conditions, it persists in large numbers in the arid and seasonally harsh environment of the Island. Rottnest. On land, quokkas seem restricted to wooded areas around marshes, in search of shade on hot days.

Quokka species conservation status

The IUCN Red List indicates that the Quokka species is susceptible to population decline and habitat loss due to logging and development. Threats include foxes, dogs and land cats. On Rottnest, there were no foxes, dogs, or cats, but human tourists killed the quokka for cruelty. Quokka is also at risk of developing muscular dystrophy, a disease in which the muscles are damaged and weakened.

Where does Quokka live?

Quokkas mainly live on Rottnest Island, near Perth, Australia. They also live in small groups on Bald Island, and on land in Western Australia.

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