Quokka vs. Wallaby — What's the Difference?

Native to specific parts of Western Australia.

Primarily crepuscular.

A small marsupial known for its friendly face.

Tends to be more solitary.

Mostly nocturnal in habits.

A marsupial similar in shape to a kangaroo but smaller.

Their population is considered vulnerable.

Found in various environments across Australia and New Guinea.

Adapted to live with few natural predators.

Diet varies based on habitat.

The quokka, also known as the short-tailed scrub wallaby () (Setonix brachyurus), is a small macropod about the size of a domestic cat. It is the only member of the genus Setonix.

A wallaby () is a small or middle-sized macropod native to Australia and New Guinea, with introduced populations in New Zealand, Hawaii, the United Kingdom and other countries. They belong to the same taxonomic family as kangaroos and sometimes the same genus, but kangaroos are specifically categorised into the four largest species of the family.

A short-tailed herbivorous marsupial (Setonix brachyurus) found in coastal areas of southwest Australia.

An Australasian marsupial that is similar to, but smaller than, a kangaroo.

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

Any of various marsupials of the family Macropodidae of Australia and adjacent islands, resembling kangaroos but generally smaller.

Any of several species of marsupial; usually smaller and stockier than kangaroos

Any one of numerous species of kangaroos belonging to the genus Halmaturus, native of Australia and Tasmania, especially the smaller species, as the brush kangaroo (Halmaturus Bennettii) and the pademelon (Halmaturus thetidis). The wallabies chiefly inhabit the wooded district and bushy plains.

Any of various small or medium-sized kangaroos often brightly colored

While quokkas are protected and cannot be kept as pets, some species of wallabies are kept as pets in certain countries.

A quokka is a small marsupial native to a few isolated areas in Western Australia, renowned for its friendly appearance.

Predators of wallabies include dingoes, foxes, and large birds of prey.

Quokkas use their isolated island habitats to their advantage, where fewer natural predators exist.

Quokkas have evolved on islands with few predators, which may contribute to their lack of fear and perceived friendliness towards humans.

Depending on the species, wallabies can range from roughly 12 to 41 inches in body length.

A wallaby is a small to medium-sized marsupial similar to a kangaroo but generally smaller and adapted to a variety of habitats.

Quokkas are herbivorous, mainly eating leaves, grasses, and shrubs.

Wallabies communicate through various sounds, body language, and scent markings.

Yes, quokkas are capable swimmers, which helps them move between islands if necessary.

Wallabies typically live between 9 and 15 years in the wild, depending on the species.

Some species of wallabies are considered vulnerable or endangered due to habitat loss and other environmental pressures.

Wallabies adapt through variations in diet, behavior, and physical characteristics suited to their specific environments.

Quokkas face threats from habitat destruction, climate change, and in some cases, predation by introduced species.