Australian Quokka (2025) - 1 Oz - Silver Collector Coin

The quokka kangaroo is a species endemic to the southwest coast of Australia, and also inhabits the associated islands Rottnest Island a Bald Island. It lives in wet and dry sclerophyll stands, forests and heathland. It is adapted to drinking saltwater, so in some areas it can survive without drinking water. It is one of the smallest kangaroo species, characterised by a broad head with small curved ears and a strong tail, which is usually only sparsely furred. The species reaches a size of only 40-54 cm, with a tail measuring 24.5-31 cm and a weight of less than 3.3 kg. The coat is longer, thick and rough, and its colour is brownish-grey, lighter on the belly. The kangaroo eats plant food, i.e. grasses, leaves, succulent plants. It uses symbiotic bacteria in the digestive tract for digestion, similar to ruminants.

Kangaroos are herbivores, most grazing on grasses and herbs. They may also eat ferns, shoots, leaves and berries. They don't shy away from poisonous plants either.

The grass they eat is very tough and chewing it wears down their teeth. Although kangaroos have four pairs of molars on each side, only the front ones are used. If they wear out and fall out, they are replaced by others. Occasionally a kangaroo will live to see the last pair worn out. Then they starve to death. Only the rusty kangaroo grows molars for life.

Unlike sheep, cattle and other placental herbivores, kangaroos graze grass and herbs very sparingly. They never graze it down to the roots, thus preventing it from regenerating.

All kangaroos can ruminate. The large, muscular stomach is divided into several parts and holds a lot of food, which is digested by microorganisms.