In November 2017 I researched the Australian marsupial the quokka and created a presentation about it for u.talk. Below are my slides and the information I collected put them together. I chose to do a u.talk on the quokka because my past talks have all been about Australian marsupials which I find to be incredibly interesting and I would like to keep the theme running. 

_______________________________________________________________________________________RESEARCH

TAXONOMY

Described it as a wild cat

Found on Rottnest island in 1658

Discovered by dutch mariner samuel volckertzoon

In 1696 thought to be large rats when found on Rottnest isl.

Wilem de Vlamingh named the island after them meaning “rats nest”

Found in very small range of south west australia and island

Many found on Islands because they are free of cats and foxes

Predators are cats, dogs, foxes, birds of prey, dingoes

Occupy many environments from arid shrub, gardens.

Prefer habitats close to water

Favorite shelter is the acanthocarpus because it is prickly and no predators will venture into them

 

DESCRIPTION

Weight 5-10 lbs

16-21 inches long

Tail being 9-12 inches long

Short legs allow them to hop with great speed

Round ears with a short head

Coarse fur

Can live up to ten years

 

BEHAVIOUR

Very sociable

Live in small family groups dominated by males

Can climb trees

Herbivores who feed at night

If necessary they can survive long periods without food by living off fat stored in tails

Rest in the shade during the day

Unafraid of humans

Quokkas know to set up camp near tourist areas where people are more willing to feed them

Mothers will eject young from pouch to sacrifice to predators if need be

 

REPRODUCTION

Breeding between january and march

Pregnant for 1 month once to twice a year

Litter of 1 joey

joeys live in pouch for 6 months

After leaving pouch rely on mother for milk

Are mature at 1.5 years old

 

POPULATION

Before colonial settlement they covered 15,900 sq mi

Reduced 50% of former population to 1992 6,900 sq mi

Classified as vulnerable

Deforestation on agriculture reduced habitat

End of summer means more quokka dying bc vegetation dies and water is scarce leading to starvation

Illegal for humans to handle them and highly discourage feeding them as it will make them sick

$300 fine on rottnest island for such offenses

Maximum sentence for cruelty on rottnest isl is $50,000 and five years in prison