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'{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}} {{Use Australian English|date=October 2023}} {{Short description|Species of small nocturnal marsupial}} {{Distinguish|Quagga}} {{Pp-move-indef}} {{Speciesbox | name = Quokka | image = Quokka at rottnest (cropped).jpg | status = VU | status_system = IUCN3.1 | status_ref =<ref name=iucn>{{cite iucn | author1 = Burbidge, A.A. | author2 = Woinarski, J. | name-list-style = amp | title = ''Setonix brachyurus'' |amends=2019 | page = e.T20165A166611530 | doi = 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-1.RLTS.T20165A166611530.en | year = 2020 | access-date = 7 April 2021}}</ref> | display_parents = 2 | genus = Setonix | parent_authority = [[René-Primevère Lesson|Lesson]], 1842<ref>{{cite book|last1=Lesson|first1=R.-P.|title=Nouveau Tableau du Règne Animal: Mammifères|date=1842|publisher=Arthus Bertrand|location=Paris|page=194|chapter-url=https://www.digitale-sammlungen.de/en/view/bsb10231569?page=204|chapter=Groupe: Setonix}}</ref> | species = brachyurus | authority = ([[Jean René Constant Quoy|Quoy]] & [[Joseph Paul Gaimard|Gaimard]], 1830)<ref>{{cite book|last1=Quoy|first1=[Jean René Constant]|last2=Gaimard|first2=[Joseph Paul]|title=Voyage de découvertes de l'Astrolabe: Zoologie|date=1830|publisher=J. Tastu|location=Paris|pages=114–116|chapter-url=https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/2064170|chapter=Kangurus brachyurus|volume=1}}</ref> | range_map = Setonix brachyurus distribution.svg | range_map_caption = Geographic range }} The '''quokka''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|k|w|ɒ|k|ə}}) ('''''Setonix brachyurus''''')<ref name="MSW3">{{MSW3 Groves|pages=69}}</ref> is a small [[Macropodidae|macropod]] about the size of a [[Cat|domestic cat]]. It is the [[Monotypic|only member]] of the [[genus]] '''''Setonix'''''. Like other [[marsupial]]s in the macropod family (such as [[kangaroo]]s and [[Wallaby|wallabies]]), the quokka is [[herbivorous]] and mainly [[nocturnal]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://wildlife.rottnestisland.com/land/fauna/quokka|title=the happiest animals on earth Quokkas |website=Rottnest Island Wildlife |access-date=7 February 2021}}</ref> The quokka's range is a small area of southwestern [[Australia]]. They inhabit some smaller islands off the coast of [[Western Australia]], particularly [[Rottnest Island]] just off [[Perth]] and [[Bald Island]] near [[Albany, Western Australia|Albany]]. Isolated, scattered populations also exist in forest and coastal heath between Perth and Albany. A small colony inhabits a protected area of [[Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve]], where they co-exist with the critically endangered [[Gilbert's potoroo]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://theconversation.com/australian-endangered-species-gilberts-potoroo-11640|title=Australian endangered species: Gilbert's Potoroo|last=Sinclair|first=Elizabeth|work=The Conversation|access-date=20 October 2017|language=en}}</ref> == Description == A quokka weighs {{convert|2.5|to|5.0|kg|lb|abbr=on|sigfig=2}} and is {{convert|40|to|54|cm|in|abbr=on}} long with a {{convert|25|to|30|cm|in|abbr=on|adj=mid|-long|sigfig=2}} tail, which is quite short for a macropod. It has a stocky build, well developed hind legs, rounded ears, and a short, broad head. Its musculoskeletal system was originally adapted for terrestrial bipedal saltation, but over its evolution, its system has been built for arboreal locomotion.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Warburton |first1=Natalie M. |last2= Yakovleff |first2=Maud |last3=Malric |first3=Auréline |title=Anatomical adaptations of the hind limb musculature of tree-kangaroos for arboreal locomotion (Marsupialia : Macropodinae) |journal=Australian Journal of Zoology |date=2012 |volume=60 |issue=4 |pages=246–158 |doi=10.1071/ZO12059|s2cid=86843529 |url= https://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/13061/}}<!--https://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/13061/--></ref> Although looking rather like a very small kangaroo, it can climb small trees and [[shrub]]s up to {{convert|1.5|m}}.<ref>{{Cite web| url= https://www.arkive.org/quokka/setonix-brachyurus/|title=Quokka videos, photos and facts - Setonix brachyurus| website= Arkive.org |language= en-GB| access-date= 19 March 2018| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180320044432/https://www.arkive.org/quokka/setonix-brachyurus/|archive-date=20 March 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> Its coarse fur is a grizzled brown colour, fading to buff underneath. The quokka is known to live for an average of 10 years.<ref name="Burrell">{{Cite web| url= https://australian.museum/learn/animals/mammals/quokka/|title=Animal Species: Quokka|last=Burrell|first=Sue| website= australian.museum |date=30 October 2015|access-date= 18 March 2018}}</ref> Quokkas are nocturnal animals; they sleep during the day in ''[[Acanthocarpus preissii]],'' using the plants' spikes for protection and hiding.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last= Giaimo |first=Cara |date=23 October 2020|title=5 Strange Facts About Quokkas |language=en-US |work= The New York Times| url= https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/10/23/science/quokka.html|access-date=28 October 2020|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Quokkas have a promiscuous [[mating system]].<ref>{{cite journal|last1=McLean |first1=Ian G. |first2=Natalie T. |last2=Schmitt |url= https://www.researchgate.net/publication/260798976 |title=Copulation and associated behavior in the quokka, ''Setonix brachyurus'' |journal=Australian Mammalogy |volume=21 |date= 1999 |pages=139–142|doi=10.1071/AM99139 }}</ref> After a month of gestation, females give birth to a single baby called a joey. Females can give birth twice a year and produce about 17 joeys during their lifespan.<ref name="Burrell" /> The joey lives in its mother's pouch for six months. Once it leaves the pouch, the joey relies on its mother for milk for two more months and is fully weaned around eight months after birth.<ref name="Burrell" /> Females sexually mature after roughly 18 months.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.animalfactguide.com/animal-facts/quokka/ |title=Quokka Facts &#124; Quokkas &#124; Australian Marsupials |website= animalfactguide.com |access-date=25 August 2016}}</ref> When a female quokka with a joey in her pouch is pursued by a predator, she may drop her baby onto the ground; the joey produces noises which may serve to attract the predator's attention, while the mother escapes.<ref>{{cite journal |display-authors= 3 |last1=Hayward |first1=Matt W. |last2= de Tores |first2=Paul J. |last3= Augee |first3= Michael L. |last4= Banks |first4= Peter B. |year= 2005 |title =Mortality and survivorship of the quokka (''Setonix brachyurus'')(Macropodidae: Marsupialia) in the northern jarrah forest of Western Australia |url=https://ibs.bialowieza.pl/g2/pdf/1617.pdf| url-status= live| journal= Wildlife Research| volume=32| issue=8| pages=715–722 |doi= 10.1071/WR04111| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190307173734/https://ibs.bialowieza.pl/g2/pdf/1617.pdf| archive-date=7 March 2019}}</ref> == DIESVOVERT AND MAMAS == [[File:Quokka family.jpg|thumb|left|A family of quokkas]] The word "quokka" is originally derived from a [[Noongar language|Noongar]] word, which was probably {{lang|nys|gwaga}}.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Dixon |first1=R. M. W. |last2=Moore |first2=Bruce |last3=Ramson |first3=W. S. |last4=Thomas |first4=Mandy |date=2006 |title=Australian Aboriginal Words in English: Their Origin and Meaning |edition=2nd |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=0-19-554073-5}}</ref> Today, the [[Noongar|Noongar people]] refer to them as ban-gup, bungeup and quak –a.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Quokka - WWF-Australia |url=https://www.wwf.org.au/what-we-do/species/quokka/quokka |access-date=2 November 2022 |website=www.wwf.org.au}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Meet the Quokka {{!}} The Nature Conservancy Australia |url=https://www.natureaustralia.org.au/explore/australian-animals/meet-the-quokka |access-date=2 November 2022 |website=The Nature Conservancy Australia |language=en-AU}}</ref> In 1658, Dutch mariner Samuel Volckertzoon wrote of sighting "a wild cat" on the island.<ref name="Flannery2008">{{cite book |last1=Flannery |first1=Tim |title=Chasing Kangaroos: A Continent, a Scientist, and a Search for the World's Most Extraordinary Creature |date=2008 |isbn=9781555848217 |page=30 |publisher=Open Road + Grove/Atlantic |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=G-bHpcgSJb4C&pg=PT30 |language=en}}</ref> In 1696, Dutch explorer [[Willem de Vlamingh]] mistook them for giant rats, and renamed the Wadjemup island {{lang|nl|'t Eylandt 't Rottenest}}, which means "the rat nest island" in Dutch.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Van Keulen |first1=Joannes |title=Het Westelykste Gedeelte van 't Land vande Eendragt of Nova Hollandia Strekkende van het Eyland Rottenest lot voorby de Willems Rivier |url=https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/1114883 |website=National Library of Australia |access-date=17 March 2021 |location=Amsterdam |date=1753}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://australian.museum/learn/animals/mammals/quokka/ |title=Quokka |publisher=Australian Museum |access-date=25 August 2016}}</ref> == Ecology == During the Pleistocene period, quokkas were more abundant and living on open landscapes. When the Europeans arrived in Australia, they introduced new species, some of which became predators to the quokkas. This caused the habitats of quokkas to eventually shift to islands and forests, where there were minimal predators and more vegetation.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Scholtz |first1=E. J. |last2=DeSantis |first2=L. R. G. |date=21 February 2020 |title=Invasive species, not environmental changes, restrict the population and geographical range of the quokka (Setonix brachyurus) |url=https://doi.org/10.1111/jzo.12765 |journal=Journal of Zoology |volume=311 |issue=2 |pages=106–115 |doi=10.1111/jzo.12765 |s2cid=212807911 |issn=0952-8369}}</ref> In the wild, the quokka's roaming is restricted to a very small [[Range (biology)|range]] in the [[South West (Western Australia)|South West]] of Western Australia, with a number of small scattered populations. One large population exists on [[Rottnest Island]] and a smaller population is on [[Bald Island]] near [[Albany, Western Australia|Albany]]. The islands are free of certain predators such as [[red fox]]es and [[Feral cat]]s. On Rottnest, quokkas are common and occupy a variety of [[habitat]]s, ranging from semiarid scrub to cultivated gardens.<ref>{{cite web |date=2010 |title=A close encounter of the furry kind |publisher=Australian Geographic |url=http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/journal/a-close-encounter-of-the-furry-kind.htm |access-date=22 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921061955/http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/journal/a-close-encounter-of-the-furry-kind.htm |archive-date=21 September 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Prickly [[Acanthocarpus (plant)|''Acanthocarpus'']] plants, which are unaccommodating for humans and other relatively large animals to walk through, provide their favourite daytime shelter for sleeping.<ref name=poole/> Additionally, they are known for their ability to climb trees.<ref name="Burrell" /> == Diet == Like most macropods, quokkas eat many types of vegetation, including grasses, [[Cyperaceae|sedges]] and leaves. A study found that ''[[Guichenotia ledifolia]]'', a small shrub species of the family [[Malvaceae]], is one of the quokka's favoured foods.<ref name=poole>{{cite journal|last1=Poole|first1=H. L.|last2=Mukaromah|first2=L.|last3=Kobryn|first3=H. T.|last4=Fleming|first4=P. A.|year=2015|title=Spatial analysis of limiting resources on an island: diet and shelter use reveal sites of conservation importance for the Rottnest Island quokka|journal=Wildlife Research|volume=41|issue=6|pages=510–521 |doi=10.1071/WR14083|s2cid=84805749}}</ref> Rottnest Island visitors are urged to never feed quokkas, in part because eating "human food" such as chips can cause dehydration and malnourishment, both of which are detrimental to the quokka's health.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rottnestisland.com/the-island/about-the-island/quokkas-and-wildlife |title=Quokkas and Wildlife |publisher=Rottnest Island |access-date=25 August 2016}}</ref> Despite the relative lack of fresh water on Rottnest Island, quokkas do have high water requirements, which they satisfy mostly through eating vegetation. On the mainland, quokkas only live in areas that have {{cvt|600|mm|abbr=on}} or more of rain per year.<ref name="abc.net.au">{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-10-17/quokkas-rottnest-island-smile-but-island-life-no-paradise/7930208 |title=Quokka smiles mask pain on Rottnest Island|work=Radio National |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |department=Off Track |date=17 October 2016 |access-date=14 December 2016 |last=Jones |first=Ann}}</ref> The quokkas chew their [[cud]], similar to cows.<ref name=":0" /> == Population == [[File:Quokka I gnangarra 100121.webm|thumb|A quokka on Rottnest Island]] At the time of colonial settlement, the quokka was widespread and abundant, with its distribution encompassing an area of about {{convert|41200|sqkm|sqmi|abbr=on}} of the South West of Western Australia, including the two offshore islands, Bald and Rottnest. By 1992, following extensive population declines in the 20th century, the quokka's distribution on the mainland had been reduced by more than 50% to an area of about {{convert|17800|sqkm|sqmi|abbr=on}}.<ref name=rp/> Despite being numerous on the small, offshore islands, the quokka is classified as vulnerable. On the mainland, where it is threatened by introduced predatory species such as red foxes, cats, and dogs, it requires dense ground cover for refuge. [[Clearcutting|Clearfell logging]], agricultural development, and housing expansion have reduced their habitat, contributing to the decline of the species, as has the clearing and burning of the remaining swamplands. Moreover, quokkas usually have a litter size of one and successfully rear one young each year. Although they are constantly mating, usually one day after the young are born, the small litter size, along with the restricted space and threatening predators, contributes to the scarcity of the species on the mainland.<ref name=Reproduction>{{cite web |last=Nocon |first=Wojtek |title=Sentonix Brachyurus |work=Quokka |publisher=University of Michigan |url=http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Setonix_brachyurus/ |access-date=30 September 2013}}</ref> An estimated 4,000 quokkas live on the mainland, with nearly all mainland populations being groups of fewer than 50, although one declining group of over 700 occurs in the southern forest between [[Nannup]] and [[Denmark, Western Australia|Denmark]].<ref name=rp>{{cite web|last1=de Tores|first1=Paul |last2=Williams |first2=Richard |last3=Podesta |first3=Mia|last4=Pryde|first4=Jill|title=Quokka (Setonix brachyurus) Recovery Plan |url=http://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/4581df81-0041-4fc9-ba1b-aca7cb22246d/files/quokka-recovery-plan.pdf |publisher=Department of Environment and Conservation, Government of Western Australia|access-date=3 May 2017 |location=Bentley, WA |date=January 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Bain|first1=Karlene|title=The ecology of the quokka (Setonix brachyurus)in the southern forests of Western Australia |url=http://research-repository.uwa.edu.au/files/9623707/THESIS_DOCTOR_OF_PHILOSOPHY_BAIN_Karlene_Tracy_10258658_2016.PDF |website=University of Western Australia |publisher=School of Animal Biology|access-date=3 May 2017|location=Crawley, WA|date=June 2015}}</ref> In 2015, an extensive bushfire near [[Northcliffe, Western Australia|Northcliffe]] nearly eradicated one of the local mainland populations, with an estimated 90% of the 500 quokkas dying.<ref>[http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-09-06/northcliffe-quokka-population-decimated-after-2015-bushfire/7818884 Mainland quokka population decimated after 2015 bushfire near Northcliffe - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)]. Abc.net.au. Retrieved on 24 December 2016.</ref> In 2007, the quokka population on Rottnest Island was estimated at between 8,000 and 12,000. [[Snake]]s are the quokka's only predator on the island. The population on smaller Bald Island, where the quokka has no predators, is 600–1,000. At the end of summer and into autumn, a seasonal decline of quokkas occurs on Rottnest Island, where loss of vegetation and reduction of available surface water can lead to starvation. This species saw the most significant decline from 1930 to the 1990s, when their distribution was reduced by over half.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=de Tores |first1=Paul |last2=Matt W. |first2=Hayward |last3=Dillon |first3=Michael J. |last4=Brazell |first4=Robert I. |date=2007 |title=Review of the distribution, causes for the decline and recommendations for management of the quokka, Setonix brachyurus (Macropodidae: Marsupialia), an endemic macropodid marsupial from south-west Western Australia. |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/232957252 |journal=[[Conservation Science Western Australia]] |volume=6 |issue=1 |pages=13–73 |issn=1447-3682 |via=ResearchGate}}</ref> The quokka markedly declined in its abundance and distribution in the early 1930s, and this tendency has continued till today. Their presence on the mainland has declined to such an extent that they are only found in small groups in bushland surrounding Perth. The quokka is now listed as vulnerable in accordance with the IUCN criteria.<ref name="rp" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=229 |website=Species Profile and Threats Database|title=Setonix brachyurus — Quokka Glossary |publisher= Department of the Environment |location=Canberra |access-date=12 February 2017}}</ref> == Conservation == The quokka, while not in complete danger of going extinct, are considered threatened. As the climate continues to change so does the Australian landscape; being herbivores, the quokka rely on many native plants for their diet as well as protection. The quokka were found to prefer [[malvaceae]] species as a main source of food, using shrubs as shelter during the hottest points of the day.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Poole |first1=Holly L. |last2=Mukaromah |first2=Laily |last3=Kobryn |first3=Halina T. |last4=Fleming |first4=Patricia A. |date=4 March 2015 |title=Spatial analysis of limiting resources on an island: diet and shelter use reveal sites of conservation importance for the Rottnest Island quokka |url=https://www.publish.csiro.au/wr/WR14083 |journal=Wildlife Research |language=en |volume=41 |issue=6 |pages=510–521 |doi=10.1071/WR14083 |s2cid=84805749 |issn=1448-5494}}</ref> Due to factors such as [[Wildfire|wildfires]] and anthropogenic influence, the location of the natural flora has been changing making it harder for them to access. With no main predators, the quokkas primary threat appears to be climate change. A study found that the mainland populations prefer to live in areas with an average rainfall that exceeded 700 mm but fell below 1000 mm, which becomes increasingly complicated as aridity continues to increase in [[South Australia|South west Australia]].<ref name=":02">{{Cite journal |last1=Gibson |first1=Lesley |last2=McNeill |first2=Asha |last3=Tores |first3=Paul de |last4=Wayne |first4=Adrian |last5=Yates |first5=Colin |date=1 November 2010 |title=Will future climate change threaten a range restricted endemic species, the quokka (Setonix brachyurus), in south west Australia? |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320710002776 |journal=Biological Conservation |language=en |volume=143 |issue=11 |pages=2453–2461 |doi=10.1016/j.biocon.2010.06.011 |bibcode=2010BCons.143.2453G |issn=0006-3207}}</ref> Increasing temperatures have also been found to play an important role in the distribution of the quokka as the mean annual temperatures have increased exponentially since the 1970s in South West of Western Australia.<ref name=":02" /> With [[climate change]] limiting the optimal living conditions of the quokka and changing the abundance of their diet, the quokka are listed as [[Vulnerable species|vulnerable]] on the [[IUCN Red List]] of threatened species.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Quokka {{!}} San Diego Zoo Animals & Plants |url=https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/quokka#:~:text=The%20quokka%20is%20listed%20as,to%2015,000%20mature%20individuals%20worldwide. |access-date=23 March 2023 |website=animals.sandiegozoo.org}}</ref> == Human interaction == [[File:Quokka Selfie.jpg|thumb|A man taking a selfie with a quokka]] [[File:RottnestQuokka.jpg|thumb|A Rottnest island quokka showing typical "smiling" facial structure]] Quokkas have little fear of humans and commonly approach people closely, particularly on Rottnest Island, where they are abundant. Though quokkas are approachable, there are a few dozen cases annually of quokkas biting people, especially children.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://rove.me/to/western-australia/quokka|title=Quokka|publisher=rove.me|access-date=6 March 2019}}</ref> There are restrictions regarding feeding. It is illegal for members of the public to handle the animals in any way, and feeding, particularly of "human food", is especially discouraged, as they can easily get sick. An infringement notice carrying a $300 fine can be issued by the Rottnest Island Authority for such an offence.<ref>Rottnest Island Regulations 1988 (WA), rr 40 & 73; sched. 4</ref> The maximum penalty for animal cruelty is a $50,000 fine and a five-year prison sentence.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-04-17/french-tourists-fined-for-burning-quokka-on-rottnest-island/6402032 |title=Quokka cruelty: French tourists fined after pleading guilty to burning animal on Rottnest Island - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) |publisher=Abc.net.au |date=17 April 2015 |access-date=25 August 2016}}</ref><ref>Rottnest Island Regulations 2007 (WA), r 40</ref><ref>Squires, Nick (12 January 2003). [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/1418673/Rare-marsupials-kicked-to-death-in-quokka-soccer.html "Rare marsupials kicked to death in 'quokka soccer'"]. ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' (London).</ref> In addition to restrictions on human interactions with quokkas, they have been tested to be potentially harmful to humans with their high salmonella infection rates, especially in the summer heat. This has been proven and experimented by scientists who have taken blood tests on wild quokkas on Rottnest Island.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Martínez-Pérez |first1=Pedro A. |last2=Hyndman |first2=Timothy H. |last3=Fleming |first3=Patricia A. |date=17 September 2020 |title=Haematology and blood chemistry in free-ranging quokkas (Setonix brachyurus): Reference intervals and assessing the effects of site, sampling time, and infectious agents |journal=PLOS ONE |language=en |volume=15 |issue=9 |pages=e0239060 |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0239060 |issn=1932-6203 |pmc=7498088 |pmid=32941511|bibcode=2020PLoSO..1539060M |doi-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Hart |first1=R P |last2=Bradshaw |first2=S D |last3=Iveson |first3=J B |date=May 1985 |title=Salmonella infections in a marsupial, the quokka (Setonix brachyurus), in relation to seasonal changes in condition and environmental stress |journal=Applied and Environmental Microbiology |volume=49 |issue=5 |pages=1276–1281 |doi=10.1128/aem.49.5.1276-1281.1985 |pmid=4004242 |pmc=238542 |bibcode=1985ApEnM..49.1276H |issn=0099-2240}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Martínez-Pérez |first1=Pedro |last2=Hyndman |first2=Timothy H. |last3=Fleming |first3=Patricia A. |date=April 2020 |title=Salmonella in Free-Ranging Quokkas (Setonix brachyurus) from Rottnest Island and the Mainland of Western Australia |journal=Animals |language=en |volume=10 |issue=4 |pages=585 |doi=10.3390/ani10040585 |pmid=32244325 |pmc=7222713 |issn=2076-2615|doi-access=free }}</ref> Quokkas can also be observed at several zoos and wildlife parks around Australia, including [[Perth Zoo]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://perthzoo.wa.gov.au/animal/quokka|title=Quokka - Perth Zoo|website=perthzoo.wa.gov.au}}</ref> [[Taronga Zoo]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://taronga.org.au/animal/quokka|title=Quokka|date=10 July 2010|website=taronga.org.au|access-date=24 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426171505/https://taronga.org.au/animal/quokka|archive-date=26 April 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Wild Life Sydney]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wildlifesydney.com.au/news/our-quokkas-have-arrived/|title=Our Quokkas Have Arrived (1)|website=www.wildlifesydney.com.au}}</ref> [[Adelaide Zoo]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.adelaidezoo.com.au/animals/quokka/|title=Quokka Fact Sheet - Adelaide Zoo|website=adelaidezoo.com.au}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ntnews.com.au/news/national/baby-quokka-makes-debut-at-adelaide-zoo/video/84258aa2b42bd54c570af73b26171f27 |title=Baby Quokka Makes Debut at Adelaide Zoo |website=[[Northern Territory News]] |date=15 March 2022 |access-date=10 September 2022}}</ref> and [[Caversham Wildlife Park]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.whitemanpark.com.au/attraction/conservation-environment/caversham-wildlife-park/|title=Caversham Wildlife Park|website=Whiteman Park}}</ref> Physical interaction is generally not permitted without explicit permission from supervising staff. Quokka behaviour in response to human interaction has been examined in zoo environments. One brief study indicated fewer animals remained visible from the visitor paths when the enclosure was an open or walk-through environment. This may have been due to the quokkas acquiring avoidance behaviour of visitors, which the authors propose has implications for stress management in their exhibition to the public.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Learmonth|first1=Mark James|last2=Sherwen|first2=Sally|last3=Hemsworth|first3=Paul H.|date=1 July 2018|title=The effects of zoo visitors on Quokka (Setonix brachyurus) avoidance behavior in a walk-through exhibit|journal=Zoo Biology|language=en|volume=37|issue=4|pages=223–228|doi=10.1002/zoo.21433|pmid=29992613|issn=1098-2361|doi-access=free|hdl=11343/284165|hdl-access=free}}</ref> == Quokka selfies == In the mid-2010s, quokkas earned a reputation on the internet as "the world's happiest animals" and symbols of positivity, as frontal photos of their faces make them appear to be smiling (they do not, in fact "smile" in the human sense; this can be attributed to their natural facial structures).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thewest.com.au/news/wa/wildlife-photographer-suzana-paravacs-photo-of-quokka-nibbling-leaf-into-heart-captivates-instagammers-ng-b881371389z |title=Wildlife photographer Suzana Paravac's photo of a quokka nibbling leaf into heart captivates Instagrammers |date=2 November 2019|website=The West Australian |accessdate=3 July 2019}}</ref> Many photos of smiling quokkas have since [[viral phenomenon|gone viral]],<ref name=smile>{{cite web|last1=Jones |first1=Ann |date=17 October 2016 |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-10-17/quokkas-rottnest-island-smile-but-island-life-no-paradise/7930208 |title=Quokka smiles mask pain on Rottnest Island |website=ABC |accessdate=3 July 2020}}</ref> and the "quokka [[selfie]]" has become a popular social media trend, with celebrities such as [[Chris Hemsworth]], [[Shawn Mendes]], [[Margot Robbie]], [[Roger Federer]] and Kim Donghyuk of [[IKon|iKON]] taking part in the activity.<ref>{{cite web| last1=Rintoul |first1=Caitlyn |date=20 October 2019 |url=https://thewest.com.au/entertainment/music/shawn-mendes-becomes-latest-celeb-to-rack-up-instagram-likes-with-quokka-selfie-at-rottnest-ng-b881358099z |title=Shawn Mendes becomes latest celeb to rack up Instagram likes with quokka selfie at Rottnest |website=The West Australian |accessdate=3 July 2020}}</ref> Tourist numbers to Rottnest Island have subsequently increased.<ref name=smile/> {{Clear}} ==See also== * [[Macropodidae]] * [[Pademelon]] == References == {{Reflist}} == Further reading == * {{Cite book |last=Nowak |first=Ronald M. |year=1999 |title=Walker's Mammals of the World |edition=6th |location=Baltimore, Md. |publisher=Johns Hopkins University Press |isbn=0-8018-5789-9 |lccn=98023686 |language=en <!--|GBS-id=T37sFCl43E8C |Ltwork=257350 -->}} == External links == * {{cite web |title=''Setonix'' Lesson, 1842 |publisher=Atlas of Living Australia |url=https://bie.ala.org.au/species/https://biodiversity.org.au/afd/taxa/e238d302-9cde-411a-9f49-9d0c2f6525db}} * {{Commons-inline|Setonix brachyurus|Quokka}} * {{Wikispecies-inline|Setonix brachyurus}} {{Diprotodontia|M.}} {{Authority control}} {{Taxonbar|from=Q726151}} [[Category:Endemic fauna of Southwest Australia]] [[Category:Macropods]] [[Category:Mammals described in 1830]] [[Category:Mammals of Western Australia]] [[Category:Marsupials of Australia]] [[Category:Rottnest Island]] [[Category:Vulnerable fauna of Australia]] [[Category:Taxa named by Jean René Constant Quoy]] [[Category:Taxa named by Joseph Paul Gaimard]]'