Quokka  (Setonix brachyurus)

Quokkas are found in abundance on Rottnest Island off Perth, western Australia where the current population on the island is estimated to be 10,000 (2). It was thought to be extinct on the Australian mainland, though small colonies are now starting to stabilise and expand in the south west of western Australia (2).

The Quokka occurs in a variety of habitats, and though it seems to prefer dense vegetation and moist conditions, it survives in large numbers in the seasonally arid and harsh environment of Rottnest Island (2). On the mainland quokkas seem restricted to areas of dense vegetation around swamps, seeking shade during the hot days (2).