Quokkas - Complete Information about the Happiest Animal on Earth

 

Quokkas, The Happiest Animal on Earth

Quokkas are small marsupials native to Australia and are known for their friendly and approachable nature. They are often referred to as "the happiest animal on Earth" because of their smiling expressions. They are also considered one of the world's smallest marsupials, and are found on the mainland of Western Australia and on some islands off the coast. They are considered vulnerable species and are protected by law.

Why Quokkas is the Happiest Animal on Earth?

Quokkas are often referred to as the happiest animal on Earth because of their friendly and approachable nature. They have been observed to have expressive face, which appears to have a smiling expression. This is due to the shape of their mouths and the position of their eyes. They are also known for being curious and unafraid of humans, which makes them easy to approach and interact with. Additionally, Quokkas have a laid-back lifestyle, they are herbivorous and spend most of their time resting and grazing on vegetation, which might contribute to their happy-go-lucky reputation. However, it is important to note that the description of any animal as "happy" is a subjective interpretation and not a scientifically proven fact.

What Quokkas Eats?

Quokkas are herbivores, and their diet mainly consists of leaves, stems, bark, and fruits of various plants. They have been observed to eat a wide range of vegetation, including eucalyptus, acacia, banksia, and melaleuca. They also eat moss, lichens, and fungi. They are nocturnal animals and feed mainly at night, but they also feed during the day when food is scarce. They are able to survive on very little water and can survive in areas where other marsupials cannot. They can also survive in areas with poor-quality vegetation.

What is Life Span of Quokkas?

The average lifespan of a quokka is around 10 years in the wild, however, they can live up to 12 years in captivity. They are considered a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and predation by introduced animals such as foxes and feral cats. They have a natural resistance to certain diseases and have a low reproductive rate which makes them less resilient to habitat loss and other threats. Conservation efforts are being made to protect their population, including the creation of protected areas and the control of introduced predators.

Races of Quokkas?

There is only one known species of the quokka, which is scientific name is Setonix brachyurus. However, there are two subspecies of quokkas:

The mainland quokka (Setonix brachyurus brachyurus) is found on the mainland of Western Australia, primarily in the area around Perth.

The island quokka (Setonix brachyurus setonix) is found on several small islands off the coast of Western Australia, including Rottnest Island, Bald Island, and Dorre Island.

Both subspecies are very similar in appearance and behavior, but there are slight differences in their size and coloration.

It's worth noting that Quokkas are also known as short-tailed scrub wallabies and are the only member of the genus Setonix.

Quokkas and Human Relationship

Quokkas have a unique relationship with humans. They are known for their friendly and approachable nature, and are often called "the world's friendliest animal". They are not afraid of people and have been observed to approach humans for food or interaction. This has led to them being popular with tourists and wildlife photographers, and they have become a symbol of Western Australia.

However, despite their friendly nature, it is important to remember that quokkas are wild animals and should not be touched or fed by humans. Feeding quokkas can disrupt their natural feeding patterns, and can also attract other animals, such as rats, which can cause problems for the quokkas and their environment.

Also, Quokkas are protected by law in Western Australia, and it is illegal to remove them from the wild, even for a short time, or to keep them as pets. Visitors to quokka habitats should be respectful of the animals and the environment and should follow the guidelines provided by local authorities and conservation groups.