quokka

Definition

A cat-sized wallaby, Setonix brachyurus, of southwestern Australia.

Etymology

From Nyunga kwaka.

Example Sentences

• "At least 673 quokkas were re-introduced from Rottnest Island to the Marsupial Research Station of the University of Western Australia (254 ha) at Jandakot from 1972 to 1988."
• "Tammars, quokkas and black-footed rock wallabies inhabit islands in the southwest, while three species of hare wallaby, the burrowing bettong and five species of rock wallaby inhabit various islands in the northwest."
• "Older unburnt areas (more than 25 years) on their own appear unable to sustain a quokka population. The largest number of quokkas occurs on Rottnest Island near Perth, where the population estimates vary from 8000 to 12,000 individuals."