Quokkas, often called the world's happiest animals because of their permanent grin-like expression, are small marsupials native to a tiny corner of southwestern Australia. Cat-sized, curious, and famously unafraid of humans, they've become social-media stars for their selfie-ready smiles.
But there's more to quokkas than cute photos. Here are the real facts about how they live, breed, and survive as a vulnerable species.
Quokkas are marsupials in the genus Setonix, with the scientific name Setonix brachyurus.
They're roughly the size of a domestic cat, with a body length of about 40 to 54 cm (16 to 21 inches) and a tail length of around 25 to 30 cm (9.8 to 11.8 inches).
Their fur is thick and brownish-gray, and their rounded face gives them what looks like a constant smile.
Quokkas are found mainly on Rottnest Island and Bald Island off Western Australia, plus small, scattered populations in mainland bushland near Albany and the southwest.
They prefer dense vegetation for shelter and daytime hiding, and are well adapted to Western Australia's dry climate.
Quokkas are herbivores, feeding mainly on grasses, leaves, and bark, and can go long stretches without drinking by getting moisture from their food.
Gestation lasts about 27 days, after which the female gives birth to a single tiny joey that then lives in her pouch for roughly six months.
Thanks to a reproductive trick called embryonic diapause, quokkas can pause a fertilized embryo's development until the previous joey leaves the pouch, allowing some females to raise two joeys in a year.
Their powerful hind legs help them move quickly through dense scrub, and they can climb low trees and shrubs to reach food.
Quokkas are social animals often seen in small groups, and while mostly nocturnal, they're also active during the day in cooler weather.
The IUCN Red List classifies quokkas as Vulnerable, with habitat loss and predation by introduced foxes and cats as the main threats.
Quokkas became internet-famous for approaching tourists on Rottnest Island and appearing in countless 'quokka selfies.'
It's illegal to touch, feed, or handle quokkas in Australia; they are a protected species, and violators can face significant fines.
Conservation efforts include habitat restoration, predator control programs, and ongoing research into quokka ecology on Rottnest Island and the mainland.
In the wild, quokkas typically live around 10 years; in captivity, with veterinary care and no predators, they can live longer.
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