QUOKKA

Setonix brachyurus

The Quokka is a species of the order Diprotodontia and is the only member of the Genus Setonix. They are found on the southwest coast of Australia and on Rottnest Island. Their population is declining from introduced predators such as foxes, dogs and cats. Their diet consists of grasses and leaves. If a Quokka mother is threatened by a predator, she throws her young out of her pouch. The young Quokka makes sounds to distract the predator while the mother abandons the scene. They are recognised worldwide as the “World’s Happiest Animal.” This is from the shape of their jaw that causes the mouth to appear as if the animal were smiling.