Quokka-Fact-Sheet.Pdf

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Quokka-Fact-Sheet.Pdf Quokka Description Quokkas are one of the smallest wallaby species in Australia. They have thick, coarse, grey-brown fur; short, rounded fluffy ears, a tail 24 –31 cm long and shorter hindlegs than other macropod species. Fast Facts Diet Quokkas are herbivores and eat native grasses and the leaves, stems and bark of a variety of plants. They prefer browsing on new, young growth. In the wild On Rottnest Island, Quokkas appear to live in territories with the areas defended by dominant males. In other areas, territories are not as evident and Scientific Name: Setonix brachyurus larger, overlapping groups of 25–150 adults have been known to form around water soaks. Sheltering in dense vegetation during the day, Quokkas create Conservation Status: Vulnerable their own pathways for feeding or escaping predators. Extinct Threatened Least Concern Threats EX EW CR EN VU NT LC Quokkas were once abundant on the Australian mainland but with the arrival of the dingo around 3,500 years ago and then foxes in the late 1800s (neither of Body Length: 40 –54 cm which reached Rottnest) their numbers were drastically reduced. Today they are showing signs of recovery on the mainland thanks to the Department of Parks Weight: 2.7 –4.2 kg and Wildlife feral-proofing operations. Gestation: 27 days At Perth Zoo Number of young: 1 Perth Zoo’s Quokkas can be seen in the Australian Bushwalk. Habitat: Dense vegetation or dense semi-arid heath Distribution: Rottnest Island, south-west Western Australian mainland DID YOU KNOW? Quokkas are very unusual for a number of reasons. They are able to survive in an environment virtually devoid of freshwater and they can climb trees. Rottnest Island Quokkas have been used in medical research on muscular dystrophy as they suffer from the same disease. Distribution GOVERNMENT OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
Recommended publications
  • Local Population Structure of a Naturally Occurring Metapopulation of the Quokka (Setonix Brachyurus Macropodidae: Marsupialia)
    Biological Conservation 110 (2003) 343–355 www.elsevier.com/locate/biocon Local population structure of a naturally occurring metapopulation of the quokka (Setonix brachyurus Macropodidae: Marsupialia) Matt W. Haywarda,b,c,*, Paul J. de Toresb,c, Michael J. Dillonc, Barry J. Foxa aSchool of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia bDepartment of Conservation and Land Management, Wildlife Research Centre, PO Box 51 Wanneroo, WA6946, Australia cDepartment of Conservation and Land Management, Dwellingup Research Centre, Banksiadale Road, Dwellingup, WA6213, Australia Received 8 May 2002; received in revised form 18 July 2002; accepted 22 July 2002 Abstract We investigated the population structure of the quokka (Setonix brachyurus) on the mainland of Western Australia using mark– recapture techniques. Seven previously known local populations and one unconfirmed site supporting the preferred, patchy and discrete, swampy habitat of the quokka were trapped. The quokka is now considered as locally extinct at three sites. The five remaining sites had extremely low numbers, ranging from 1 to 36 individuals. Population density at these sites ranged from 0.07 to 4.3 individuals per hectare. There has been no response to the on-going, 6 year fox control programme occurring in the region despite the quokkas’ high fecundity and this is due to low recruitment levels. The remaining quokka populations in the northern jarrah forest appear to be the terminal remnants of a collapsing metapopulation. # 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. Keywords: Population structure; Predation; Reproduction; Setonix brachyurus; Vulnerable 1. Introduction The Rottnest Island quokka population fluctuates around 5000 with peaks of 10,000 individuals (Waring, The quokka (Setonix brachyurus Quoy & Gaimard 1956).
    [Show full text]
  • Post-Release Monitoring of Western Grey Kangaroos (Macropus Fuliginosus) Relocated from an Urban Development Site
    animals Article Post-Release Monitoring of Western Grey Kangaroos (Macropus fuliginosus) Relocated from an Urban Development Site Mark Cowan 1,* , Mark Blythman 1, John Angus 1 and Lesley Gibson 2 1 Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Wildlife Research Centre, Woodvale, WA 6026, Australia; [email protected] (M.B.); [email protected] (J.A.) 2 Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Kensington, WA 6151, Australia; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +61-8-9405-5141 Received: 31 August 2020; Accepted: 5 October 2020; Published: 19 October 2020 Simple Summary: As a result of urban development, 122 western grey kangaroos (Macropus fuliginosus) were relocated from the outskirts of Perth, Western Australia, to a nearby forest. Tracking collars were fitted to 67 of the kangaroos to monitor survival rates and movement patterns over 12 months. Spotlighting and camera traps were used as a secondary monitoring technique particularly for those kangaroos without collars. The survival rate of kangaroos was poor, with an estimated 80% dying within the first month following relocation and only six collared kangaroos surviving for up to 12 months. This result implicates stress associated with the capture, handling, and transport of animals as the likely cause. The unexpected rapid rate of mortality emphasises the importance of minimising stress when undertaking animal relocations. Abstract: The expansion of urban areas and associated clearing of habitat can have severe consequences for native wildlife. One option for managing wildlife in these situations is to relocate them.
    [Show full text]
  • Translocations and Fauna Reconstruction Sites: Western Shield Review—February 2003
    108 Conservation Science W. Aust. 5 (2) : 108–121P.R. Mawson (2004) Translocations and fauna reconstruction sites: Western Shield review—February 2003 PETER R. MAWSON1 1Senior Zoologist, Wildlife Branch , Department of Conservation and Land Management, Locked Bag 104 Bentley Delivery Centre WA 6983. [email protected] SUMMARY address this problem, but will result in slower progress towards future milestones for some species. The captive-breeding of western barred bandicoots Objectives has also been hampered by disease issues, but this problem is dealt with in more detail elsewhere in this edition (see The objectives of Western Shield with regard to fauna Morris et al. this issue). translocations were to re-introduce a range of native fauna There is a clear need to better define criteria that will species to a number of sites located primarily in the south- be used to determine the success or failure of translocation west of Western Australia. At some sites whole suites of programs, and for those same criteria to be included in fauna needed to be re-introduced, while at others only Recovery Plans and Interim Recovery Plans. one or a few species were targeted for re-introduction. A small number of the species that are currently the Integration of Western Shield activities with recovery subject of captive-breeding programs and or translocations actions and co-operative arrangements with community do not have Recovery Plans or Interim Recovery Plans, groups, wildlife carers, wildlife sanctuaries, Perth Zoo and contrary to CALM Policy Statement No. 50. In other educational outcomes were other key objectives. cases the priorities by which plans are written does not Achievements reflect the IUCN rank assigned those species by the Western Australian Threatened Species Scientific The fauna translocation objectives defined in the founding Committee.
    [Show full text]
  • 2008-09, the Zoo’S Fundraising Program, Wildlife During the Year the Board Also Commenced an Continues to Go from Strength to Strength
    contents Zoological Parks Authority ANNUAL REPORT 2009 Zoological Parks Authority ANNUAL REPORT 2009 contents Our Purpose To secure long term populations of species in natural environments while engaging the community in global conservation action. Perth Zoo Location In line with State Government requirements, This work is copyright. It may be reproduced in 20 Labouchere Road Perth Zoo’s annual report – the Zoological whole or in part for study or training purposes if Parks Authority Annual Report 2008-2009 – is an acknowledgment of the source is included. South Perth, Western Australia. published in an electronic format with limited Such use must not be for the purpose of sale or Postal Address use of graphics and illustrations to help minimise commercial exploitation. Subject to the Copyright download times. Act, reproduction, storage in a retrieval system PO Box 489 or transmission in any form by any means of Perth Zoo encourages people to use recycled South Perth any part of the work other than for the purposes paper if they print a copy of this report or above is not permitted without prior written Western Australia 6951 sections of it. For the convenience of readers and authorisation from the Zoological Parks Authority. to minimise download times and print outs, the Contact Numbers annual report has been presented in chapters, as Information about this report and requests and Telephone (08) 9474 0444 well as the entire document. The annual report is inquiries concerning reproduction should be Facsimile (08) 9474 4420 presented in PDF format. All sections, except the addressed to: financial statements, are also presented in Word [email protected] Debra Read format.
    [Show full text]
  • Download the Annual Report 2019-2020
    Leading � rec�very Annual Report 2019–2020 TARONGA ANNUAL REPORT 2019–2020 A SHARED FUTURE � WILDLIFE AND PE�PLE At Taronga we believe that together we can find a better and more sustainable way for wildlife and people to share this planet. Taronga recognises that the planet’s biodiversity and ecosystems are the life support systems for our own species' health and prosperity. At no time in history has this been more evident, with drought, bushfires, climate change, global pandemics, habitat destruction, ocean acidification and many other crises threatening natural systems and our own future. Whilst we cannot tackle these challenges alone, Taronga is acting now and working to save species, sustain robust ecosystems, provide experiences and create learning opportunities so that we act together. We believe that all of us have a responsibility to protect the world’s precious wildlife, not just for us in our lifetimes, but for generations into the future. Our Zoos create experiences that delight and inspire lasting connections between people and wildlife. We aim to create conservation advocates that value wildlife, speak up for nature and take action to help create a future where both people and wildlife thrive. Our conservation breeding programs for threatened and priority wildlife help a myriad of species, with our program for 11 Legacy Species representing an increased commitment to six Australian and five Sumatran species at risk of extinction. The Koala was added as an 11th Legacy Species in 2019, to reflect increasing threats to its survival. In the last 12 months alone, Taronga partnered with 28 organisations working on the front line of conservation across 17 countries.
    [Show full text]
  • Aussie Animals Aussie Reptiles Photos & Prese
    S SSIE ANIMALS TION AU AUSSIE RE RESENTA PTILES PHOTOS & P KOALAS & PYTHONS QUOKKAS LIZARDS We are one of the few places in & KOALAS & CROCS Australia where you have the opportunity to HOLD a Koala for a The Quokka is a small macropod about the size of a domestic cat and it Australia is home to the world’s most amazing collection of lizards, great souvenir photo. For a small is found in Western Australia. Though they resemble rodents, Quokkas dragons and monitors. Camouflage is their key to survival, so take additional cost, you will have a are actually marsupials, like kangaroos and wallabies. your time and try to find them. memory to last a lifetime. Or for Everyone one loves a Koala! Whether they are eating, sleeping or just Crocodiles have been part of the Australian eco- something on the “scaly side”, have a looking adorable, they are Australia’s most loved animal. Over millions system for millions of years. Here you will find photo with a large python. (extra cost) of years, the Koala’s diet has evolved to one that is exclusively of Freshwater Crocodiles which are mainly found eucalyptus leaves. in inland river systems. The larger and more aggressive Saltwater or Estuarine Crocodile NOCTURNAL WALLABIES & WOMBATS found in coastal river systems, can be seen at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. WONDERS TOUR Did you know that Australia has over 70 2.00pm Join our Wildlife Keeper for species of macropods, ranging from the a short guided walk through the new tiny Musky Rat Kangaroo to the giant Red PIONEERING HISTORY Nocturnal Wonders exhibit learning Kangaroos seen in the Outback? Meet, pat Kuranda Koala Gardens is operated about Bilbies, possums and gliders.
    [Show full text]
  • Numbat (Myrmecobius Fasciatus) Recovery Plan
    Numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus) Recovery Plan Wildlife Management Program No. 60 Western Australia Department of Parks and Wildlife February 2017 Wildlife Management Program No. 60 Numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus) Recovery Plan February 2017 Western Australia Department of Parks and Wildlife Locked Bag 104, Bentley Delivery Centre, Western Australia 6983 Foreword Recovery plans are developed within the framework laid down in Department of Parks and Wildlife Corporate Policy Statement No. 35; Conserving Threatened and Ecological Communities (DPaW 2015a), Corporate Guidelines No. 35; Listing and Recovering Threatened Species and Ecological Communities (DPaW 2015b), and the Australian Government Department of the Environment’s Recovery Planning Compliance Checklist for Legislative and Process Requirements (Department of the Environment 2014). Recovery plans outline the recovery actions that are needed to urgently address those threatening processes most affecting the ongoing survival of threatened taxa or ecological communities, and begin the recovery process. Recovery plans are a partnership between the Department of the Environment and Energy and the Department of Parks and Wildlife. The Department of Parks and Wildlife acknowledges the role of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and the Department of the Environment and Energy in guiding the implementation of this recovery plan. The attainment of objectives and the provision of funds necessary to implement actions are subject to budgetary and other constraints affecting the parties involved, as well as the need to address other priorities. This recovery plan was approved by the Department of Parks and Wildlife, Western Australia. Approved recovery plans are subject to modification as dictated by new findings, changes in status of the taxon or ecological community, and the completion of recovery actions.
    [Show full text]
  • Long-Nosed Potoroo (Potorous Tridactylus)
    Action Statement No. 254 Long-nosed Potoroo Potorous tridactylus Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 Authorised and published by the Victorian Government, Department of Environment and Primary Industries, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne, December 2013 © The State of Victoria Department of Environment and Primary Industries 2013 This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. Print managed by Finsbury Green December 2013 ISBN 978-1-74287-975-8 (Print) ISBN 978-1-74287-976-5 (pdf) Accessibility If you would like to receive this publication in an alternative format, please telephone DEPI Customer Service Centre 136186, email [email protected], via the National Relay Service on 133 677 www.relayservice.com.au This document is also available on the internet at www.depi.vic.gov.au Disclaimer This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. Cover photo: Long-nosed Potoroo at Healesville Sanctuary (Peter Menkhorst) Action Statement No. 254 Long-nosed Potoroo Potorous tridactylus Description On the Australian mainland the Long-nosed Potoroo has a patchy distribution along the eastern and south- The Long-nosed Potoroo (Potorous tridactylus) (Kerr eastern seaboard from around Gladstone in south-eastern 1972) is one of the smallest members of the kangaroo Queensland to Mt Gambier in the south-eastern corner of superfamily (the Macropodoidea) and one of 10 species South Australia (van Dyck and Strahan 2008).
    [Show full text]
  • Perth Zoo Annual Report 2019-20
    2020 GOVERNMENT OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA Perth Zoo Location In line with State Government requirements, This work is copyright. It may be reproduced 20 Labouchere Road Perth Zoo’s annual report – the Zoological in whole or in part for study or training South Perth, Western Australia 6151 Parks Authority Annual Report 2019-20 – purposes if an acknowledgment of the is published in an electronic format. Perth Zoo source is included. Such use must not Postal Address encourages people to use recycled paper if be for the purpose of sale or commercial PO Box 489 printing a copy of the report. exploitation. Subject to the Copyright Act South Perth, Western Australia 6951 For the convenience of readers and to 1968, reproduction, storage in a retrieval minimise download times and print outs, the system or transmission in any form by any Contact Details annual report has been presented in individual means of any part of the work other than for Telephone (08) 9474 0444 chapters, as well as an entire document. the purposes above is not permitted without The annual report is presented in PDF format. prior written authorisation from the Zoological Facsimile (08) 9474 4420 All sections, except the financial statements, Parks Authority. are also presented in Word format. [email protected] Information about this report and requests www.perthzoo.wa.gov.au Zoological Parks Authority Annual Report and inquiries concerning reproduction should 2019-20 be addressed to: © Zoological Parks Authority 2020 Danielle Henry, Media and Communications Manager Perth
    [Show full text]
  • Scarlett Fox, with Help from Hannah Schardt Dear Rick, G’Day from Topsy-Turvy Australia! It Might Be Late Fall Back Home, but Down Here It’S Almost Summer
    by Scarlett Fox, with help from Hannah Schardt Dear Rick, G’day from topsy-turvy Australia! It might be late fall back home, but down here it’s almost summer. (Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere, so seasons here are the opposite of ours in the United States.) Seasons aren’t the only things that are different Down Under. I’ve never met so many strange animals in my life. There are mammals that lay eggs! Birds that are taller than humans! And it seems that everywhere I turn, there’s an animal with a dangerous bite. Naturally, I LOVE it here! Can’t wait to show you all the photos I’ve taken of my new Aussie friends. More later—time to head back to the Outback! (That’s the dry, wild ASIA NORTHERN middle of the country.) HEMISPHERE EQUATOR Wish you were here, Scarlett AUSTRALIA SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE ANTARCTICA black-headed python eastern water dragon sugar glider emu quokka dingo ALL PHOTOS FROM MINDEN PICTURES, PAGES 6–13: JÜRGEN FREUND/NPL (6L) >; BROOK WHATNALL/NGCREATIVE 6 (6M); THOMAS MARENT (6R); ROB DRUMMOND/BIA (7L); KEVIN SCHAFER (7M) >; MARTIN WILLIS (7R) 7 TO : G’Day, Zelda! Australia is full of your cousins— Zelda Possum marsupials! As you know, marsupials The cat-sized spotted- 101 Oak Tree Lane tailed quoll is the largest (mar-SOO-pee-ulz) give birth to tiny, Deep Green Wood, USA meat-eating marsupial helpless babies. Most have pouches for in mainland Australia. carrying their babies until they are old (The Tasmanian devil is enough to follow Mom around.
    [Show full text]
  • Climate Change and Australia's Wildlife: Is Time Running Out?
    A JOINT REPORT PRODUCED BY WWF-AUSTRALIA & CLIMATE COUNCIL REPORT 2019 Climate change and Australia’s wildlife: Is time running out? CLIMATE CHANGE AND AUSTRALIA’S WILDLIFE: IS TIME RUNNING OUT? CLIMATE CHANGE For so long the major threats to Australia’s wildlife were known and well understood - habitat loss and fragmentation, feral predators such as foxes and cats, or IS HERE AND IT’S inappropriate fire regimes, especially in northern Australia. We’ve always known that HAVING GRAVE the impacts of climate change were looming, but it was a problem to be addressed in IMPACTS ON OUR 10, 20 or even 50 years. However, this latest Australian summer has shown us that climate change is here PRECIOUS WILDLIFE and it’s having grave impacts on our precious wildlife now. We can no longer think of NOW climate change as an issue for the future, for the next generation to deal with. We know that climate change is making our weather hotter and, in many areas, drier. Severe heatwaves are the new normal and droughts are longer and harsher. When it does rain, the downpours are becoming more intense, causing flooding such as we have recently witnessed in Townsville. A hotter, drier climate primes the bush for wildfires of increasing intensity and extent, with ecosystems such as Queensland’s rainforests and ancient Tasmanian forests suddenly now vulnerable. Marine heatwaves along Australia’s coasts are now regular events that result in extensive coral bleaching, such as we have witnessed in the summers in 2016 and 2017 on the Great Barrier Reef.
    [Show full text]
  • Egernia Stokesii) National Recovery Plan
    Western Spiny-tailed Skink (Egernia stokesii) National Recovery Plan Wildlife Management Program No. 53 Prepared by David Pearson Department of Environment and Conservation WESTERN AUSTRALIAN WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM NO. 53 Western Spiny-tailed Skink (Egernia stokesii) Recovery Plan 2012 Department of Environment and Conservation Locked Bag 104, Bentley Delivery Centre WA 6983 FOREWORD Recovery Plans are developed within the framework laid down in Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) Policy Statements Nos. 44 and 50 (CALM, 1992; CALM, 1994), and the Australian Government Department for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (SEWPaC) Recovery Planning Compliance Checklist for Legislative and Process Requirements (DEWHA, 2008). Recovery Plans outline the recovery actions that are required to urgently address those threatening processes most affecting the ongoing survival of threatened taxa or ecological communities, and begin the recovery process. The attainment of objectives and the provision of funds necessary to implement actions are subject to budgetary and other constraints affecting the parties involved, as well as the need to address other priorities. This Recovery plan was approved by the Department of Environment and Conservation, Western Australia. Approved Recovery Plans are subject to modification as dictated by new findings, changes in status of the taxon or ecological community, and the completion of recovery actions. Information in this Recovery Plan was accurate at June 2012. Recovery Plan Preparation: This recovery plan was prepared by David Pearson (Department of Environment and Conservation, Science Division). Holly Raudino and Manda Page assisted with editing and formatting, and Amy Mutton and Brianna Wingfield prepared the map. Citation: Department of Environment and Conservation (2012).
    [Show full text]