Rottnest Island visitors issued litter warning after mother quokka seen eating a cigarette

Tourists on Rottnest Island were left distressed after witnessing a quokka with a baby in her pouch eating a discarded cigarette butt.

Fafa Liao, who is from Taiwan, visited WA’s island paradise on July 16 when she was “deeply saddened” by the confronting scenario when encountering Rotto’s famous marsupial for the first time.

Ms Liao was shocked to see a mother quokka chewing on a cigarette butt with her baby clearly visible in her pouch.

Ms Liao said she believed it was important to highlight the dangers of littering and the impact it has on vulnerable wildlife.

“As a concerned visitor I believe it’s crucial to address this issue promptly to protect both the quokkas and their habitat,” she said.

She wanted to see the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and Rottnest Island take action in the form of increasing awareness around littering and regular clean-up efforts.

Ms Liao also said the enforcement of littering regulations should be strengthened.

A Rottnest Island Authority spokeswoman reassured concerned visitors the protection of the popular wallaby was critical.

“The wellbeing of all wildlife, including the iconic quokkas, is a top priority for Rottnest Island Authority,” she said.

“We urge all visitors to play their part in protecting the island by disposing of waste responsibly.”

It is understood RIA conducts several measures to limit litter on the island.

These measures include regular removal of litter by staff, street sweeping in the public and recreational areas and volunteer beach clean-ups.

Ranger patrols are completed every day to enforce the Rottnest Island Regulations 1988 which deals with littering.

RIA also relays messaging about waste disposal and the protection of wildlife through island-wide signage, digital signage, websites and visitor maps.

About 10,000 quokkas live on Rottnest Island.

Very small populations also survive in the mainland’s South West forests such as those near Northcliffe.