Quokka
The Quokka is a small marsupial that looks like a small Wallaby, but unlike other Wallabies it has a short stiff tail and short hind feet.
They have a stocky build, rounded ears and a short broad head, they are around 40 to 55 centimetres long with a 25 to 30 centimetre tail and weigh from 2.5 to 5 kilograms.
They eat grasses, sedges, succulents and foliage, and get a lot of their moisture from the plants they eat when the water is not plentiful.
They are friendly little fellows and this has lead to some problems on Rottnest Island because people want to feed them and if they are fed the wrong things such as biscuits and bread it can cause problems for the little guys.
If you visit Rottnest Island and you see them, please don't feed them.
Breeding time on Rottnest is from January to March. Gestation period is around 27 days, a single Joey is born. The Joey stays in the mothers pouch for around 6 months. The Joey then leaves the mothers pouch but continues to suckle for another 2 or so months.
Quokkas are found on Rottnest Island off the coast of Western Australia, where they are plentiful, they are also found in small groups on the mainland in the southwest of Western Australia.
Go to next animal page: The Quoll
Return to Australian Animals or go to Australian Animal Emblems
Return from Quokka to Australian-Information-Stories home page
"The Legend of Bimi"
Introduction
There's a tale that begins in the sand hills
That I would like to tell,
Built from myth and many legends,
And my pen it does compel.
The desert's a hot, a hostile place,
Nothing's changed since time began,
There's a hazy unreality there
As if it, in the dreamtime was planned.
The noon of the day is so hot and still,
And over all an expectant hush,
Like a canvas that's waiting impatiently
For the touch of the artists brush.
The fire of the day can change swifly
To the night of startlingly cold,
Many legends are told of the people
Who live in this land so old.
To continue to read the introduction to this wonderful piece of poetry our Mother wrote called
"The Legend of Bimi" just go to our
Epic Poetry page
We know you will love it!