Quokkas, small marsupials native to Western Australia, are often recognized for their distinctive “smiling” facial expression. These endearing animals are roughly the size of a domestic cat, typically weighing between 1.5 to 5 kilograms and measuring 40 to 54 centimeters in length. Their compact bodies are covered in short, thick grey-brown fur, complemented by rounded ears and a relatively short tail. The largest quokka populations thrive on Rottnest Island, off the coast of Perth, with smaller groups also found on Bald Island and in fragmented areas on the mainland.
Quokka Shelter Strategies
Quokkas do not construct burrows for shelter. Instead, these small macropods rely on the natural environment for cover during resting periods, frequently seeking refuge within dense vegetation like thickets and scrublands. During the day, quokkas also rest in natural depressions or beneath tree canopies to escape heat and conceal themselves from threats. Their small size allows them to effectively disappear into dense undergrowth.
Quokkas establish intricate networks of paths and trails through this thick vegetation, which they use for foraging and swiftly evading predators. On Rottnest Island, they commonly utilize prickly Acanthocarpus plants, which are difficult for larger animals to penetrate, providing secure daytime resting spots. While they often return to the same shelter daily, they may shift locations during cooler months.
Their Natural Environment
The preferred habitats for quokkas include swamps, scrublands, and areas with dense streamside vegetation. On Rottnest Island, they inhabit a variety of semi-arid landscapes, including scrub heath, woodlands, and wetlands. Mainland populations typically reside in humid environments characterized by dense plant cover, particularly around swampy areas, reflecting their need for consistent access to moisture.
Quokkas are primarily nocturnal or crepuscular, meaning they are most active during the night, dusk, and dawn hours. This activity pattern makes daytime concealment in dense cover particularly important for their safety and for regulating body temperature. Although they can survive extended periods without drinking water, they largely obtain their necessary moisture from the vegetation they consume. Their ability to climb small trees, reaching heights of 4 to 6 feet, assists them in accessing food and escaping danger. The availability of suitable cool and shady shelters, rather than food, can sometimes be a limiting factor for quokka populations.