Environmental charity prioritises small mainland quokka population in Christmas campaign

A population of quokkas in the South West is the priority of an environmental charity that aims to increase numbers in 2024. On Rottnest Island, about 10,000 quokkas call the island home and are considered one of WA’s tourism icons, while on the mainland in the South West, a small community of about 1000 live in small pockets in the region. The number of mainland quokkas has dropped due to a lack of genetic diversity within their isolated communities, being away from other quokka populations, and predation by feral animals, making them vulnerable to extinction. Environmental charity South West NRM has launched a Christmas Giving Campaign, in the hope of turning the tide by expanding its work in 2024 to boost numbers of South West quokkas. “It’s just kicked off and it’s great to see such great response to it and it would be great to raise a few dollars, but raising awareness about this species is important, which people are keen to contribute to,” sustainability and environment lead Linda Metz. “Part of the work we do is work in parks, reserves and conservations and help with animal management, and we did capture many images of the quokkas and they’re out there and kicking.” “Things like the drying climate, fires and feral animals are reducing the mainland quokka population and we need to work on that.” “We try to reduce factors like those, so they’ve got a greater chance for survival .” The mainland quokkas in the South West are living in and around Manjimup and the upper Warren region as far as Boyup Brook, with the jarrah forests being the place of refuge for the endangered species, according to Ms Metz. “They live in areas not massively populated, so you have to be dedicated or in the right place, because with such a small population, it would be a rare and special occasion if you saw it in its natural habitat,” she said. She said the mainland quokkas were a “poorly understood species”, given the small numbers. “We’re really keen to raise awareness about lesser known native animals in the region and the quokka is iconic, but it’s poorly understood outside of its Rottnest population,” she said. “The mainland quokka is a threatened species, but its population is so small that it’s unknown that it’s on the mainland.” While Rottnest Island quokkas had adapted over time to feed during the day, mainland quokkas in the South West remained nocturnal which contributed to their low public profile. “It is still quite common for our mainland species to be nocturnal, to avoid being predated by feral animals,” Ms Metz said. “Our local quokkas are struggling to survive due to loss of habitat, introduced species and predators. “There is a great deal we can do to turn the tide on the declining quokka numbers on the mainland and everyone can help.” Ms Metz encouraged people to donate to protect the quokkas’ habitats and to maintain the vegetation and animals on their properties in areas near quokka populations to help them in their threatened state. “We would encourage people to donate, which would go towards animal management and habitat protection,” she said. “Just $10 will cover the cost of planting a native tree to increase areas of natural habitat.” “People need to keep remnant vegetation on their properties, so quokkas will have food, and take care of their animals to help the quokkas.” “Keep cats and dogs inside or behind the fence at night, because the less opportunity for those animals to interact with the native population, the better.” “It’s really important in those areas, we actively maintain it so we assure the long-term persistence of these animals, especially since the quokkas are shy and need that critical cover and shelter.”