Quokka Monitoring

The Rottnest Foundation supports ongoing research into the health and habitat of the Quokka.

In partnership with the Margaret River Chocolate Company, the Rottnest Foundation supports ongoing research into the health and habitat of the quokka, the only mammal native to Rottnest Island.

To date the partnership has contributed $45,000 which is raised from part proceeds from the sale of ‘Chokka the Quokka’ merchandise.

Rottnest Island supports the largest known quokka population in the world which is essential for the survival of the species. There are approximately 10,000-12,000 quokkas living on Rottnest Island and the species is listed as vulnerable under ICUN (2014).

The Rottnest Island Authority has established the Rottnest Island Quokka Monitoring Program. Using four key indicators measure population health including:

  • Tail circumference

  • Weight

  • Weaning rates

  • Relative abundance.

In 2024/25 the Focal Conservation Target for quokkas achieved 86% and the health rating was ‘Good”.

Specialised donation

In November 2021 the Australian Geographic ran a feature article on the vulnerable quokka species and supported this with a fundraising project to help purchase 12 additional remote cameras, to enable the continuous monitoring of large areas of Rottnest Island, helping to ensure that quokkas are protected.