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Quokka squirrel

Today I bring you a species that according to media and ecologists is the funniest and happiest species on the planet, but enjoys an excellent reputation this endangered. I'm talking about the Quokka squirrel. Come with me to learn more about this incredible species.

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Its scientific name is setonix brachuyrus, it is a squirrel belonging to the marsupial genus and it is also a family of macropodids, so it is not so different from the other marsupials we have known in past publications.

You've probably seen this species in dozens of photos and memes on social networks. Recognized as a species very happy and friendly with every human being who wants to approach and caress this noble creature. The truth is that this species is very endangered product of the destruction of its habitat. This species was registered in 1696.

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It is a species endemic to Australia specifically on the island of Rottnest where this wonderful species lives, it is estimated that there are about 8000 specimens year after year are the biggest attraction for fun tourists from all over the world. Although the figures of some conservation organizations handle other numbers a figure that has nothing to do with the 8000 but rather about 500 specimens, something really alarming, the cause of their disappearance is the product of the introduction of other species native to Australia as wild pigs that have changed the natural habitat of the marsupial.

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Of its main characteristics we can say that it is strong and round body, its coat is brown with gray tones, has small ears, its eyes are dark, other important features is that it seems to be always smiling which has captivated millions of people.

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In comparison with other marsupial cousins that have important tails, this one has a very small tail and without hairs, there is certain disproportion in the size of its extremities that do not fit with the size of its body, being the backs a little more muscular and with force as to be able to move. The quokka can measure a maximum of 60 centimeters in its adult stage, and weigh a maximum of 5 kilograms, there is a clear dimorphism being females smaller than males, their average life can be up to 15 years.

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Their main places to be are thick forests or bushes where they can hide from the inclement sun, in addition they are marsupials with nocturnal habits, and they live mainly in burrows that they themselves excavate to perfection.

From their reproductive habits we have that like other marsupials their evolution and growth is slow, because once they are born they spend a great deal of time in the specialized bag that almost all marsupials have, a bag that allows them to breastfeed as well as protect themselves from any predator. After 6 months it will only come out of the bag to feed by its own means and 1 year later they will reach sexual maturity.

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Their diet is based on shoots of plants, roots, seeds and leaves of a wide variety of plants that are in their habitat, in seasons of drought often change their habits to become terrestrial marsupials of trees and thus take advantage of the seasonal fruits as well as the shoots of trees.

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At the moment it is in danger of extinction product the introduction as well as the bad manipulation of the tourists, already they have generated small reserves inside the island in where they live to assure the reproduction of the species always this smiling.