Inside Western Australia’s Quokka Conservation Initiatives: How Science, Community, and Innovation Are Shaping the Future of a Beloved Marsupial. Discover the Latest Breakthroughs and What’s Next for Quokka Survival. (2025)

Introduction: The Quokka’s Unique Status in Western Australia
Current Population Trends and Distribution
Major Threats Facing Quokkas Today
Key Conservation Programs and Stakeholders
Habitat Restoration and Management Efforts
Community Engagement and Indigenous Partnerships
Technological Innovations in Quokka Monitoring
Legislation, Policy, and Funding Landscape
Public Interest and Tourism Impact: Growth Forecasts
Future Outlook: Challenges, Opportunities, and Projected Conservation Gains
Sources & References

Introduction: The Quokka’s Unique Status in Western Australia

The quokka (Setonix brachyurus) holds a unique ecological and cultural status in Western Australia, being one of the region’s most iconic marsupials. Endemic to the southwest of the state, quokkas are best known for their concentrated populations on Rottnest Island and Bald Island, with smaller, fragmented groups on the mainland. Their “smiling” appearance has made them a symbol of Western Australian wildlife, drawing significant attention from both the public and conservationists. However, despite their popularity, quokkas are classified as “Vulnerable” under both state and national conservation frameworks due to ongoing threats such as habitat loss, predation by introduced species, and the impacts of climate change.

The Western Australian Government, through agencies such as the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), has prioritized quokka conservation as part of broader biodiversity management strategies. The DBCA manages key habitats, implements predator control programs, and supports research to monitor population trends. Rottnest Island Authority, a statutory body responsible for the management of Rottnest Island, also plays a central role in quokka conservation, balancing tourism with habitat protection and public education.

Recent years have seen a surge in collaborative initiatives involving government agencies, research institutions, and local communities. These efforts include habitat restoration projects, fire management strategies, and the development of biosecurity measures to prevent the introduction of new predators and diseases. The WWF-Australia and other conservation organizations have contributed to public awareness campaigns and scientific studies aimed at understanding quokka ecology and threats.

As of 2025, the outlook for quokka conservation in Western Australia is cautiously optimistic. Ongoing monitoring indicates that island populations remain stable, while targeted interventions on the mainland are beginning to show positive results. However, the species’ restricted distribution and sensitivity to environmental changes mean that continued vigilance and adaptive management are essential. Over the next few years, conservation initiatives are expected to focus on expanding predator-free refuges, enhancing genetic diversity, and strengthening community engagement to ensure the long-term survival of this unique marsupial.

Current Population Trends and Distribution

The quokka (Setonix brachyurus), a small marsupial endemic to Western Australia, remains a conservation priority due to its restricted distribution and vulnerability to environmental threats. As of 2025, the majority of quokka populations are concentrated on Rottnest Island, with smaller, fragmented groups persisting on Bald Island and in select mainland locations within the southwest region of Western Australia. The Rottnest Island population is the most robust, estimated at approximately 10,000–12,000 individuals, while the Bald Island group numbers around 1,000. In contrast, mainland populations are highly fragmented and collectively number fewer than 4,000 individuals, with some subpopulations containing as few as 50–100 animals.

Recent monitoring efforts, coordinated by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), have highlighted ongoing challenges for mainland quokka populations. Habitat loss due to land clearing, altered fire regimes, and predation by introduced species such as foxes and feral cats continue to threaten their survival. The DBCA’s annual surveys, using camera traps and direct observation, indicate that while island populations remain stable or are slowly increasing, some mainland populations are declining or at risk of local extinction.

Distribution mapping in 2025 shows that quokkas are now largely absent from much of their historical mainland range, which once extended across the southwest forests and coastal heaths. The remaining mainland populations are primarily found in protected areas such as the Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve and the southern forests near Albany. These areas benefit from targeted conservation actions, including predator control and habitat restoration, which have helped stabilize some local populations.

The outlook for quokka populations over the next few years is cautiously optimistic for island populations, particularly on Rottnest and Bald Islands, where biosecurity measures and habitat management are ongoing. However, the future of mainland populations remains uncertain. The DBCA, in collaboration with research institutions and local land managers, is intensifying efforts to monitor population trends, enhance habitat connectivity, and implement adaptive management strategies. These initiatives are critical to preventing further declines and ensuring the long-term viability of quokkas in Western Australia.

Continued investment in research, community engagement, and on-ground conservation actions will be essential to address the complex threats facing quokkas, particularly on the mainland. The next few years will be pivotal in determining whether these efforts can reverse current trends and secure a sustainable future for this iconic marsupial.

Major Threats Facing Quokkas Today

Quokkas (Setonix brachyurus), small marsupials native to Western Australia, continue to face a range of significant threats in 2025, despite ongoing conservation efforts. The most pressing challenges include habitat loss, predation by introduced species, disease, and the impacts of climate change. These threats are particularly acute for mainland populations, which are far more vulnerable than those on islands such as Rottnest and Bald Island.

Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: Urban expansion, agricultural development, and infrastructure projects have led to the reduction and fragmentation of quokka habitats, especially in the south-west of Western Australia. This fragmentation isolates populations, making them more susceptible to local extinctions and reducing genetic diversity. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), the state agency responsible for managing Western Australia’s natural resources, has identified habitat loss as a primary driver of quokka decline.
Predation by Introduced Species: Feral cats (Felis catus) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) remain the most significant predators of quokkas on the mainland. These invasive species have been responsible for dramatic population declines, particularly in fragmented habitats where quokkas have fewer places to hide. Ongoing control programs by the DBCA and local conservation groups aim to reduce predator numbers, but eradication remains challenging.
Fire Regimes: Both the frequency and intensity of bushfires have increased in recent years, exacerbated by climate change. Quokkas are highly sensitive to fire, which can destroy their dense understorey habitat and food sources. While some fire is natural and even beneficial for habitat renewal, large-scale or frequent fires can be devastating. The DBCA is working to implement more strategic fire management practices to protect key quokka populations.
Disease: Emerging diseases, including toxoplasmosis (spread by cats) and other pathogens, pose additional risks to quokka populations. Disease outbreaks can be particularly severe in small, isolated populations with limited genetic diversity.
Climate Change: Altered rainfall patterns, increased temperatures, and more frequent droughts are impacting the availability of water and food resources for quokkas. These changes are expected to intensify over the coming years, further stressing vulnerable populations.

In summary, quokkas in Western Australia face a complex array of threats in 2025, with habitat loss, predation, fire, disease, and climate change all contributing to their vulnerable status. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated action from government agencies like the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, research institutions, and local communities to ensure the long-term survival of this iconic species.

Key Conservation Programs and Stakeholders

Quokka conservation in Western Australia has gained renewed momentum in 2025, with a coordinated approach involving government agencies, research institutions, Indigenous groups, and non-profit organizations. The quokka (Setonix brachyurus), classified as “Vulnerable” under both state and federal legislation, is primarily found on Rottnest Island and select mainland sites in the southwest. The following outlines the key conservation programs and stakeholders currently shaping the species’ outlook.

Western Australian Government Initiatives: The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) leads quokka conservation through habitat management, fire regime planning, and population monitoring. In 2025, DBCA expanded its prescribed burning program to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires, a major threat to mainland quokka populations. The department also continues to implement the Quokka Recovery Plan, which includes translocation projects and predator control, particularly targeting feral cats and foxes.
Rottnest Island Authority: As the primary steward of Rottnest Island, the Rottnest Island Authority (RIA) manages the world’s largest quokka population. In 2025, RIA has intensified visitor education campaigns to minimize human-wildlife conflict and disease transmission. The authority is also collaborating with DBCA on genetic monitoring to ensure long-term population viability.
Research Institutions: The University of Western Australia and Murdoch University are conducting ongoing research into quokka genetics, disease susceptibility, and habitat requirements. In 2025, new studies are focusing on the impacts of climate change and urban encroachment on fragmented mainland populations, with findings informing adaptive management strategies.
Indigenous Partnerships: Several conservation programs are being co-designed with Noongar Traditional Owners, whose ecological knowledge is integral to fire management and habitat restoration. These partnerships are formalized through joint management agreements and on-ground ranger programs.
Non-Governmental Organizations: Groups such as the WWF-Australia and local wildlife rescue organizations provide funding, advocacy, and community engagement. In 2025, these NGOs are supporting citizen science initiatives and public awareness campaigns to reduce threats such as illegal feeding and habitat disturbance.

Looking ahead, the outlook for quokka conservation in Western Australia is cautiously optimistic. While Rottnest Island populations remain stable, ongoing threats to mainland populations—particularly from fire, predation, and habitat loss—necessitate sustained, collaborative action. The integration of scientific research, Indigenous knowledge, and community stewardship is expected to underpin the next phase of quokka recovery efforts through 2025 and beyond.

Habitat Restoration and Management Efforts

Habitat restoration and management are central to quokka conservation initiatives in Western Australia, particularly as the species faces ongoing threats from habitat loss, altered fire regimes, and predation. In 2025, these efforts are being led by a coalition of government agencies, research institutions, and conservation organizations, with a focus on both the mainland populations and the iconic Rottnest Island population.

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), the principal government body responsible for biodiversity in Western Australia, continues to implement and refine habitat management strategies. These include prescribed burning programs designed to mimic natural fire cycles, which are crucial for maintaining the dense understorey vegetation that quokkas rely on for shelter and food. In 2025, DBCA is expanding its adaptive fire management plans in key mainland reserves such as Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve and Bald Island, aiming to create a mosaic of habitats that support quokka populations while reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfires.

Restoration of degraded habitats is another priority. Ongoing projects involve the removal of invasive plant species and the replanting of native flora, particularly in areas where quokka populations have declined due to habitat fragmentation. These efforts are supported by research from institutions like The University of Western Australia, which provides ecological data to guide restoration activities and monitor their effectiveness.

On Rottnest Island, where the largest and most stable quokka population exists, the Rottnest Island Authority is working in partnership with DBCA to manage visitor impacts and maintain suitable habitat. In 2025, new boardwalks and designated viewing areas are being constructed to minimize trampling of sensitive vegetation, while ongoing revegetation projects aim to restore areas degraded by human activity. The Authority is also trialing innovative water management techniques to ensure the availability of freshwater sources during increasingly dry summers.

Looking ahead, the outlook for quokka habitat restoration is cautiously optimistic. The Western Australian government has committed additional funding through 2027 for landscape-scale restoration projects, with a focus on climate resilience and connectivity between habitat patches. Collaborative monitoring programs involving citizen scientists and local Indigenous ranger groups are expected to enhance data collection and foster community stewardship of quokka habitats.

While challenges remain—particularly in managing the impacts of climate change and invasive predators—these coordinated habitat restoration and management efforts are critical to securing the future of quokka populations in Western Australia.

Community Engagement and Indigenous Partnerships

Community engagement and Indigenous partnerships are central to the success of quokka conservation initiatives in Western Australia, particularly as the region moves through 2025 and into the coming years. The quokka (Setonix brachyurus), a small marsupial endemic to the southwest of Western Australia, faces ongoing threats from habitat loss, introduced predators, and climate change. Addressing these challenges requires collaborative approaches that integrate local knowledge, cultural values, and scientific expertise.

One of the most significant developments in recent years has been the strengthening of partnerships between conservation agencies and Indigenous communities, especially the Noongar people, who are the Traditional Owners of much of the quokka’s range. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), the primary government body responsible for biodiversity management in Western Australia, has formalized co-management agreements with Noongar groups for key conservation areas, including Rottnest Island (Wadjemup) and mainland reserves. These agreements recognize the importance of Indigenous ecological knowledge in land management and species recovery.

Community engagement programs have expanded, with DBCA and local councils facilitating citizen science projects, educational workshops, and volunteer opportunities. In 2025, initiatives such as the “Quokka Watch” program encourage residents and visitors to report sightings and behaviors, contributing valuable data for population monitoring. Schools across the Perth region and the South West are integrating quokka conservation into their curricula, fostering early stewardship and awareness.

Indigenous rangers, supported by organizations like the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA), are increasingly involved in on-ground activities such as habitat restoration, fire management, and predator control. These efforts not only enhance quokka habitat but also provide employment and training opportunities for Indigenous youth, strengthening community ties to country and conservation outcomes.

Looking ahead, the outlook for community and Indigenous engagement in quokka conservation is positive. The Western Australian Government has committed additional funding through 2025–2027 for joint management initiatives and public education campaigns. There is a growing emphasis on two-way learning, where scientific and traditional knowledge systems inform adaptive management strategies. As these partnerships deepen, they are expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring the long-term survival of quokka populations and the health of their ecosystems.

Technological Innovations in Quokka Monitoring

Technological innovation is playing an increasingly pivotal role in the conservation of quokkas (Setonix brachyurus) in Western Australia, particularly as the species faces ongoing threats from habitat loss, predation, and climate change. In 2025, conservation agencies and research institutions are leveraging advanced tools to enhance monitoring, data collection, and management strategies for quokka populations.

One of the most significant advancements is the deployment of remote camera traps and sensor networks across key quokka habitats, including Rottnest Island and the mainland populations in the South West. These devices, equipped with motion sensors and night-vision capabilities, allow for continuous, non-invasive monitoring of quokka activity, population density, and behavior. The data collected is transmitted in real time to centralized databases, enabling rapid analysis and response to emerging threats such as feral predators or disease outbreaks. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), the principal government body overseeing quokka conservation, has expanded its use of these technologies in 2025, integrating them into broader ecosystem management programs.

In addition to camera traps, drone technology is being increasingly utilized for aerial surveys of quokka habitats. Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and thermal imaging sensors can cover large and inaccessible areas, providing detailed information on habitat quality, vegetation cover, and the presence of quokkas or potential threats. This approach has proven especially valuable in monitoring the impacts of bushfires and habitat fragmentation, allowing for more targeted restoration and management efforts.

Another innovation is the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, which involves collecting soil, water, or scat samples to detect genetic traces of quokkas. This method enables researchers to confirm the presence of quokkas in areas where direct sightings are rare, improving the accuracy of population estimates and distribution maps. The integration of eDNA analysis with traditional survey methods is being championed by research collaborations between the DBCA and academic institutions such as The University of Western Australia.

Looking ahead, the outlook for technological innovation in quokka monitoring remains promising. Ongoing investment in artificial intelligence for automated image analysis, as well as the expansion of citizen science platforms for public reporting of quokka sightings, are expected to further enhance conservation outcomes over the next few years. These advancements, supported by strong inter-agency collaboration, are critical to ensuring the long-term survival of quokka populations in Western Australia.

Legislation, Policy, and Funding Landscape

The legislative, policy, and funding landscape for quokka conservation in Western Australia is shaped by a combination of state and federal frameworks, targeted recovery plans, and ongoing financial commitments. As of 2025, the quokka (Setonix brachyurus) remains classified as “Vulnerable” under both the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (EPBC Act) and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) of Western Australia’s Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. These legislative instruments mandate the development and implementation of recovery actions, habitat protection, and threat mitigation.

The DBCA is the principal agency responsible for quokka conservation at the state level. It oversees the Quokka Recovery Plan, which is periodically updated to reflect new research and emerging threats, such as climate change, disease, and predation by introduced species. The plan prioritizes habitat management, fire regime optimization, and population monitoring, particularly on Rottnest Island and in key mainland populations in the southern forests.

In 2025, policy efforts are increasingly focused on integrating quokka conservation with broader landscape-scale initiatives, such as the Western Australian Government’s Western Shield program. This long-running initiative targets feral predator control and has been credited with stabilizing or increasing quokka numbers in several reserves. The program’s continued funding—secured through both state budget allocations and federal biodiversity grants—remains critical for the next few years.

Financial support for quokka conservation is also bolstered by partnerships with non-governmental organizations and research institutions. For example, the WWF-Australia and local universities collaborate on research, monitoring, and community engagement projects. In 2025, new funding streams are being explored through ecotourism levies on Rottnest Island, where quokkas are a major attraction, with revenues earmarked for habitat restoration and visitor education.

Looking ahead, the outlook for quokka conservation policy is cautiously optimistic. The Western Australian Government has signaled its intention to review and potentially strengthen biodiversity legislation in response to ongoing environmental pressures. Additionally, the anticipated update to the national Threatened Species Strategy is expected to prioritize quokka populations, aligning federal and state efforts. However, sustained funding and adaptive management will be essential to address emerging threats, particularly those linked to climate variability and land use change.

Public Interest and Tourism Impact: Growth Forecasts

Public interest in quokka conservation has surged in recent years, driven by the animal’s global popularity and the unique tourism appeal of Rottnest Island and select mainland populations. As of 2025, Western Australia’s quokka conservation initiatives are increasingly intertwined with sustainable tourism strategies, reflecting both ecological priorities and economic opportunities.

Rottnest Island, managed by the Rottnest Island Authority, remains the primary site for quokka encounters, attracting over 800,000 visitors annually. The “quokka selfie” phenomenon has amplified international awareness, prompting the Authority to implement visitor education programs and habitat protection measures. These include designated viewing areas, restrictions on feeding, and increased ranger presence to minimize human-wildlife conflict and disease transmission. The Authority’s 2025-2028 management plan forecasts continued visitor growth, with a projected 5% annual increase, necessitating further investment in infrastructure and conservation messaging.

On the mainland, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) oversees quokka populations in the southern forests and the northern jarrah woodlands. The DBCA’s “Western Shield” program, one of Australia’s largest wildlife recovery initiatives, continues to expand its feral predator control and habitat restoration efforts. Public engagement campaigns, such as citizen science monitoring and school outreach, are forecast to grow in 2025 and beyond, leveraging the quokka’s charismatic status to foster broader conservation support.

Tourism operators, in collaboration with the Tourism Western Australia agency, are increasingly adopting eco-certification and responsible wildlife interaction guidelines. The agency’s 2025-2027 tourism strategy identifies quokka-related experiences as a key driver for international and domestic visitation, with a focus on balancing economic benefits and ecological integrity. Forecasts suggest quokka tourism could contribute over AUD 100 million annually to the state economy by 2027, provided that conservation safeguards remain robust.

Looking ahead, the outlook for quokka conservation and tourism is cautiously optimistic. Ongoing research, adaptive management, and strong public interest are expected to support population stability on Rottnest Island and recovery in select mainland sites. However, challenges such as climate change, disease risk, and habitat fragmentation require sustained investment and community involvement. The next few years will be critical in demonstrating that Western Australia can maintain its reputation as a global leader in wildlife tourism while ensuring the long-term survival of its most iconic marsupial.

Future Outlook: Challenges, Opportunities, and Projected Conservation Gains

As of 2025, quokka conservation in Western Australia stands at a pivotal juncture, shaped by both persistent challenges and promising opportunities. The quokka (Setonix brachyurus), a small marsupial endemic to the region, remains classified as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List, with its primary stronghold on Rottnest Island and smaller populations on the mainland and Bald Island. Conservation efforts are coordinated by a network of governmental and non-governmental organizations, most notably the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), which oversees habitat management, research, and public engagement.

Key challenges in the coming years include habitat fragmentation, predation by introduced species (such as foxes and feral cats), and the increasing threat of climate change—particularly the risk of more frequent and severe bushfires. The 2021–2023 fire seasons underscored the vulnerability of mainland populations, prompting the DBCA to intensify fire management strategies and invest in rapid response protocols. Additionally, disease surveillance remains a priority, as quokkas are susceptible to toxoplasmosis and other pathogens that can be exacerbated by environmental stressors.

Opportunities for conservation gains are emerging through several innovative initiatives. The DBCA, in collaboration with research institutions and local communities, is expanding predator control programs and trialing new exclusion fencing technologies to protect critical habitats. There is also a growing emphasis on genetic monitoring, with recent advances in non-invasive sampling enabling more precise tracking of population health and diversity. Community engagement is being strengthened through citizen science projects and ecotourism guidelines, aiming to balance the economic benefits of quokka tourism with the species’ welfare.

Looking ahead, projections for 2025 and the next few years are cautiously optimistic. The Western Australian government has committed to increasing funding for threatened species recovery, and the DBCA’s Quokka Recovery Plan is set for review and update, incorporating the latest scientific findings and climate adaptation strategies. If current trends in habitat restoration, predator management, and public awareness continue, experts anticipate stabilization or modest growth in key quokka populations, particularly on Rottnest and Bald Islands. However, the outlook for mainland populations remains uncertain, hinging on the success of ongoing fire management and predator control efforts.

In summary, while significant hurdles remain, the coordinated efforts of the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and its partners provide a strong foundation for future quokka conservation. Continued innovation, funding, and community involvement will be critical to securing the species’ long-term survival in Western Australia.