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