banner



Home  ›  What Animal Looks Like Kangaroo But Has No Tail

What Animal Looks Like Kangaroo But Has No Tail

Written By Thursday, June 23, 2022 Add Comment Edit

Species of pocket-sized nocturnal marsupial

Not to be confused with Quagga.

Quokka
Quokka at rottnest (cropped).jpg

Conservation status


Vulnerable (IUCN three.1)[i]

Scientific classification edit
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Infraclass: Marsupialia
Order: Diprotodontia
Family: Macropodidae
Subfamily: Macropodinae
Genus: Setonix
Lesson, 1842[three]
Species:

South. brachyurus

Binomial name
Setonix brachyurus

(Quoy & Gaimard, 1830)[two]

Setonix brachyurus distribution.svg
Geographic range

The quokka (), also known equally the curt-tailed scrub wallaby (Setonix brachyurus), is a pocket-sized macropod about the size of a domestic cat.[4] It is the only member of the genus Setonix . Similar other marsupials in the macropod family unit (such as kangaroos and wallabies), the quokka is herbivorous and mainly nocturnal.[5]

Quokkas are found on some smaller islands off the coast of Western Commonwealth of australia, particularly Rottnest Island just off Perth and Baldheaded Isle most Albany. Isolated, scattered populations likewise be in wood and coastal heath between Perth and Albany. A small colony inhabits a protected area of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, where they co-exist with the critically endangered Gilbert'south potoroo.[half dozen]

Description [edit]

A quokka weighs two.5 to 5.0 kg (5.5 to 11 lb) and is 40 to 54 cm (16 to 21 in) long with a 25-to-30 cm-long (9.viii-to-12 in) tail, which is quite short for a macropod. It has a stocky build, well developed hind legs, rounded ears, and a short, broad caput. Its musculoskeletal organisation was originally adapted for terrestrial bipedal saltation, just over its evolution, its arrangement has been built for arboreal locomotion.[7] Although looking rather like a very small kangaroo, it can climb small trees and shrubs upwardly to 1.v metres (4 ft eleven in).[viii] Its coarse fur is a grizzled brown colour, fading to vitrify underneath. The quokka is known to live for an average of 10 years.[nine] Quokkas are nocturnal animals; they sleep during the twenty-four hours in Acanthocarpus preissii, using the plants' spikes for protection and hiding.[10]

Quokkas take a promiscuous mating system.[eleven] After a month of gestation, females give nascence to a single baby called a joey. Females can give birth twice a year and produce about 17 joeys during their lifespan.[9] The joey lives in its mother's pouch for six months. Once it leaves the pouch, the joey relies on its mother for milk for two more than months and is fully weaned effectually eight months afterwards nativity.[9] Females sexually mature after roughly 18 months.[12] When a female person quokka with a joey in her pouch is pursued past a predator, she may drop her babe onto the ground; the joey produces noises which may serve to concenter the predator's attending, while the mother escapes.[xiii]

Discovery and name [edit]

The quokka was showtime described past Dutch mariner Samuel Volckertzoon when he wrote of sighting "a wild cat" on Rottnest Island in 1658.[xiv] In 1696, Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh mistook them for behemothic rats, naming the island 't Eylandt 't Rottenest , which means "the rat nest island" in Dutch.[xv] [xvi]

The discussion "quokka" is derived from a Nyungar word, which was probably gwaga .[17]

Ecology [edit]

During the Pleistocene period, quokkas were more than abundant and living on open up landscapes. When the Europeans arrived in Commonwealth of australia, they introduced new species, some of which became predators to the quokkas. This caused the habitats of quokkas to eventually shift to islands and forests, where at that place were minimal predators and more than vegetation.[18] In the wild, the quokka's roaming is restricted to a very pocket-size range in the Southward West of Western Australia, with a number of small scattered populations. One big population exists on Rottnest Isle and a smaller population is on Bald Island near Albany. The islands are free of certain predators such every bit red foxes and cats. On Rottnest, quokkas are mutual and occupy a variety of habitats, ranging from semiarid scrub to cultivated gardens.[19] Prickly Acanthocarpus plants, which are unaccommodating for humans and other relatively large animals to walk through, provide their favorite daytime shelter for sleeping.[20] Additionally, they are known for their ability to climb copse.[9]

Diet [edit]

Similar most macropods, quokkas eat many types of vegetation, including grasses, sedges and leaves. A study found that Guichenotia ledifolia, a minor shrub species of the family unit Malvaceae, is one of the quokka's favoured foods.[20] Rottnest Isle visitors are urged to never feed quokkas, in part because eating "human nutrient" can cause dehydration and malnourishment, both of which are detrimental to the quokka's wellness.[21] Despite the relative lack of fresh water on Rottnest Isle, quokkas do have high water requirements, which they satisfy mostly through eating vegetation. On the mainland, quokkas just live in areas that have 600 mm (24 in) or more than of rain per year.[22] The quokkas chew their cud, similar to cows.[10]

Population [edit]

A quokka on Rottnest Island

At the time of colonial settlement, the quokka was widespread and abundant, with its distribution encompassing an expanse of nigh 41,200 km2 (xv,900 sq mi) of the Southward W of Western Australia, including the two offshore islands, Bald and Rottnest. By 1992, post-obit all-encompassing population declines in the 20th century, the quokka'southward distribution on the mainland had been reduced by more l% to an area of well-nigh 17,800 km2 (6,900 sq mi).[23]

Despite beingness numerous on the minor, offshore islands, the quokka is classified as vulnerable. On the mainland, where it is threatened by introduced predatory species such every bit red foxes, cats, and dogs, it requires dense ground cover for refuge. Clearfell logging, agricultural evolution, and housing expansion have reduced their habitat, contributing to the decline of the species, as has the clearing and burning of the remaining swamplands. Moreover, quokkas usually take a litter size of one and successfully rear ane immature each year. Although they are constantly mating, ordinarily one day after the young are born, the small litter size, along with the restricted space and threatening predators, contributes to the scarcity of the species on the mainland.[24]

An estimated 4,000 quokkas live on the mainland, with virtually all mainland populations being groups of fewer than 50, although one failing grouping of over 700 occurs in the southern forest between Nannup and Kingdom of denmark.[23] [25] In 2015, an extensive bushfire near Northcliffe well-nigh eradicated one of the local mainland populations, with an estimated ninety% of the 500 quokkas dying.[26]

In 2007, the quokka population on Rottnest Island was estimated at between 8,000 and 12,000. Snakes are the quokka's but predator on the island. The population on smaller Baldheaded Isle, where the quokka has no predators, is 600–one,000. At the terminate of summer and into autumn, a seasonal decline of quokkas occurs on Rottnest Island, where loss of vegetation and reduction of available surface water tin lead to starvation.

This species saw the virtually significant decline from 1930 to the 1990s, when their distribution was reduced by over half (de Tores et al., 2007). The quokka markedly declined in its abundance and distribution in the early 1930s, and this tendency has continued till today. Their presence on the mainland has declined to such an extent that they are simply found in small groups in bushland surrounding Perth. The quokka is at present listed as vulnerable in accordance with the IUCN criteria.[23] [27]

Human interaction [edit]

Quokkas accept little fear of humans and normally approach people closely, particularly on Rottnest Island, where they are abundant. Though quokkas are approachable, there are a few dozen cases annually of quokkas biting people, particularly children.[28] There are restrictions regarding feeding. It is illegal for members of the public to handle the animals in whatever way, and feeding, peculiarly of "human food", is specially discouraged, as they tin can hands become sick. An infringement notice carrying a A$300 fine can exist issued by the Rottnest Island Authority for such an offence.[29] The maximum penalty for animal cruelty is a A$50,000 fine and a v-year prison house sentence.[30] [31] [32] In addition to restrictions on human interactions with Quokkas, they have been tested to be potentially harmful to humans with their loftier salmonella infection rates, especially in the summertime estrus. This has been proven and experimented by scientists who have taken blood tests on wild Quokkas on Rottnest Island.[33] [34] [35]

Quokkas can also exist observed at several zoos and wildlife parks around Australia, including Perth Zoo,[36] Taronga Zoo,[37] Wild Life Sydney,[38] and Adelaide Zoo.[39] Concrete interaction is generally non permitted without explicit permission from supervising staff.

Quokka behavior in response to human interaction has been examined in zoo environments. I brief study indicated fewer animals remained visible from the company paths when the enclosure was an open or walk-through environment. This may take been due to the quokkas acquiring abstention behavior of visitors, which the authors propose has implications for stress management in their exhibition to the public.[twoscore]

A man taking a selfie with a quokka

Quokka selfies [edit]

In the mid-2010s, quokkas earned a reputation on the internet as "the earth's happiest animals" and symbols of positivity due to their smiles.[41] Many photos of smiling quokkas accept since gone viral,[42] and the "quokka selfie" has become a popular social media trend, with celebrities such as Chris Hemsworth, Shawn Mendes, Margot Robbie, Roger Federer and Kim Donghyuk of iKON.[43] Tourist numbers to Rottnest Island have later increased.[42]

See also [edit]

  • Pademelon

References [edit]

  1. ^ Burbidge, A.A. & Woinarski, J. (2020) [amended version of 2019 assessment]. "Setonix brachyurus". IUCN Carmine Listing of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T20165A166611530. doi:x.2305/IUCN.U.k..2020-1.RLTS.T20165A166611530.en . Retrieved 7 April 2021.
  2. ^ Quoy, [Jean René Constant]; Gaimard, [Joseph Paul] (1830). "Kangurus brachyurus". Voyage de découvertes de l'Astrolabe: Zoologie. Vol. i. Paris: J. Tastu. pp. 114–116.
  3. ^ Lesson, R.-P. (1842). "Groupe: Setonix". Nouveau Tableau du Règne Beast: Mammifères. Paris: Arthus Bertrand. p. 194.
  4. ^ Groves, C. P. (2005). Wilson, D. Due east.; Reeder, D. Grand. (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 69. ISBN0-801-88221-four. OCLC 62265494.
  5. ^ "the happiest animals on earth Quokkas". Rottnest Isle Wildlife . Retrieved 7 February 2021.
  6. ^ Sinclair, Elizabeth. "Australian endangered species: Gilbert'south Potoroo". The Conversation . Retrieved 2017-10-xx .
  7. ^ Warburton, Natalie M.; Yakovleff, Maud; Malric, Auréline (2012). "Anatomical adaptations of the hind limb musculature of tree-kangaroos for arboreal locomotion (Marsupialia : Macropodinae)". Australian Journal of Zoology. 60 (4): 246–158. doi:10.1071/ZO12059. S2CID 86843529.
  8. ^ "Quokka videos, photos and facts - Setonix brachyurus". Arkive.org. Archived from the original on 2018-03-20. Retrieved 2018-03-19 .
  9. ^ a b c d Burrell, Sue (October xxx, 2015). "Animal Species: Quokka". australian.museum . Retrieved March 18, 2018.
  10. ^ a b Giaimo, Cara (2020-ten-23). "5 Foreign Facts Nearly Quokkas". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2020-10-28 .
  11. ^ McLean, Ian G.; Schmitt, Natalie T. (1999). "Copulation and associated behavior in the quokka, Setonix brachyurus". Australian Mammalogy. 21: 139–142. doi:10.1071/AM99139.
  12. ^ "Quokka Facts | Quokkas | Australian Marsupials". animalfactguide.com . Retrieved 2016-08-25 .
  13. ^ Hayward, Matt W.; de Tores, Paul J.; Augee, Michael L.; et al. (2005). "Mortality and survivorship of the quokka (Setonix brachyurus)(Macropodidae: Marsupialia) in the northern jarrah forest of Western Australia" (PDF). Wild fauna Research. 32 (eight): 715–722. doi:x.1071/WR04111. Archived (PDF) from the original on 7 March 2019.
  14. ^ Flannery, Tim (2008). Chasing Kangaroos: A Continent, a Scientist, and a Search for the Earth'south Near Extraordinary Animate being. p. thirty. ISBN9781555848217.
  15. ^ Van Keulen, Joannes (1753). "Het Westelykste Gedeelte van 't Land vande Eendragt of Nova Hollandia Strekkende van het Eyland Rottenest lot voorby de Willems Rivier". National Library of Australia. Amsterdam. Retrieved 17 March 2021.
  16. ^ "Quokka". Australian Museum. Retrieved 2016-08-25 .
  17. ^ Dixon, R. M. Westward.; Moore, Bruce; Ramson, Due west. S.; Thomas, Mandy (2006). Australian Aboriginal Words in English: Their Origin and Meaning (2nd ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press. ISBN0-19-554073-5.
  18. ^ Scholtz, E. J.; DeSantis, L. R. G. (2020-02-21). "Invasive species, not environmental changes, restrict the population and geographical range of the quokka (Setonix brachyurus)". Journal of Zoology. 311 (2): 106–115. doi:ten.1111/jzo.12765. ISSN 0952-8369. S2CID 212807911.
  19. ^ "A shut encounter of the furry kind". Australian Geographic. 2010. Archived from the original on 2013-09-21. Retrieved 2010-04-22 .
  20. ^ a b Poole, H. L.; Mukaromah, 50.; Kobryn, H. T.; Fleming, P. A. (2015). "Spatial analysis of limiting resource on an island: diet and shelter use reveal sites of conservation importance for the Rottnest Island quokka". Wild fauna Enquiry. 41 (6): 510–521. doi:10.1071/WR14083. S2CID 84805749.
  21. ^ "Quokkas and Wildlife". Rottnest Island. Retrieved 2016-08-25 .
  22. ^ Jones, Ann (17 Oct 2016). "Quokka smiles mask hurting on Rottnest Isle". Off Rail. Radio National. Australian Dissemination Corporation. Retrieved 14 December 2016.
  23. ^ a b c de Tores, Paul; Williams, Richard; Podesta, Mia; Pryde, Jill (January 2013). "Quokka (Setonix brachyurus) Recovery Plan" (PDF). Bentley, WA: Section of Environment and Conservation, Government of Western Commonwealth of australia. Retrieved 3 May 2017.
  24. ^ Nocon, Wojtek. "Sentonix Brachyurus". Quokka. University of Michigan. Retrieved xxx September 2013.
  25. ^ Bain, Karlene (June 2015). "The ecology of the quokka (Setonix brachyurus)in the southern forests of Western Commonwealth of australia" (PDF). University of Western Australia. Crawley, WA: Schoolhouse of Creature Biological science. Retrieved 3 May 2017.
  26. ^ Mainland quokka population decimated later 2015 bushfire near Northcliffe - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation). Abc.net.au. Retrieved on 2016-12-24.
  27. ^ "Setonix brachyurus — Quokka Glossary". Species Profile and Threats Database. Canberra: Department of the Environment. Retrieved 12 February 2017.
  28. ^ "Quokka". rove.me. Retrieved March six, 2019.
  29. ^ Rottnest Island Regulations 1988 (WA), rr 40 & 73; sched. 4
  30. ^ "Quokka cruelty: French tourists fined after pleading guilty to burning animal on Rottnest Island - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)". Abc.cyberspace.au. 2015-04-17. Retrieved 2016-08-25 .
  31. ^ Rottnest Island Regulations 2007 (WA), r twoscore
  32. ^ Squires, Nick (12 Jan 2003). "Rare marsupials kicked to decease in 'quokka soccer'". The Daily Telegraph (London).
  33. ^ Martínez-Pérez, Pedro A.; Hyndman, Timothy H.; Fleming, Patricia A. (2020-09-17). "Haematology and blood chemistry in free-ranging quokkas (Setonix brachyurus): Reference intervals and assessing the effects of site, sampling time, and infectious agents". PLOS One. xv (9): e0239060. Bibcode:2020PLoSO..1539060M. doi:10.1371/periodical.pone.0239060. ISSN 1932-6203. PMC7498088. PMID 32941511.
  34. ^ Hart, R P; Bradshaw, Due south D; Iveson, J B (May 1985). "Salmonella infections in a marsupial, the quokka (Setonix brachyurus), in relation to seasonal changes in condition and environmental stress". Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 49 (five): 1276–1281. Bibcode:1985ApEnM..49.1276H. doi:10.1128/aem.49.v.1276-1281.1985. ISSN 0099-2240. PMC238542. PMID 4004242.
  35. ^ Martínez-Pérez, Pedro; Hyndman, Timothy H.; Fleming, Patricia A. (April 2020). "Salmonella in Free-Ranging Quokkas (Setonix brachyurus) from Rottnest Island and the Mainland of Western Commonwealth of australia". Animals. 10 (4): 585. doi:x.3390/ani10040585. ISSN 2076-2615. PMC7222713. PMID 32244325.
  36. ^ "Quokka - Perth Zoo". perthzoo.wa.gov.au.
  37. ^ "Quokka". taronga.org.au. 10 July 2010. Archived from the original on 26 April 2018. Retrieved 24 April 2017.
  38. ^ "Our Quokkas Have Arrived (one)". world wide web.wildlifesydney.com.au.
  39. ^ "Quokka Fact Sheet - Adelaide Zoo". adelaidezoo.com.au.
  40. ^ Learmonth, Mark James; Sherwen, Sally; Hemsworth, Paul H. (2018-07-01). "The effects of zoo visitors on Quokka (Setonix brachyurus) avoidance behavior in a walk‐through exhibit". Zoo Biology. 37 (4): 223–228. doi:10.1002/zoo.21433. ISSN 1098-2361. PMID 29992613.
  41. ^ "Wild animals photographer Suzana Paravac's photo of a quokka nibbling leafage into heart captivates Instagrammers" (3 November 2019), The Due west Australian. Retrieved three July 2019.
  42. ^ a b Jones, Ann (17 October 2016). "Quokka smiles mask pain on Rottnest Island", ABC. Retrieved 3 July 2020.
  43. ^ Rintoul, Caitlyn (20 October 2019). "Shawn Mendes becomes latest celeb to rack up Instagram likes with quokka selfie at Rottnest", The Due west Australian. Retrieved three July 2020.

Further reading [edit]

  • Ronald M. Nowak (1999), Walker'southward Mammals of the World (6th ed.), Baltimore: Johns Hopkins Academy Press, ISBN0-8018-5789-9, LCCN 98023686

External links [edit]

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quokka#:~:text=The%20quokka%20(%2F%CB%88kw,member%20of%20the%20genus%20Setonix.

Posted by: motleychricand.blogspot.com

0 Response to "What Animal Looks Like Kangaroo But Has No Tail"

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

Iklan Atas Artikel

Iklan Tengah Artikel 1

Iklan Tengah Artikel 2

Iklan Bawah Artikel