A tourist’s photo of a quokka eating a discarded cigarette butt has exposed Australia’s major problem with littering.
Fafa Liao was visiting Rottnest Island – a popular tourist destination in Western Australia off the coast of Perth – on July 16 when she captured the sad moment.
The Taiwanese woman watched as the island’s famous marsupial started to eat the cigarette butt.
A shocked Ms Liao took a snap of the animal and explained she was left ‘deeply saddened’ by the sight, especially since the quokka clearly had a baby in her pouch.
Ms Liao called for regular clean ups of the quokkas’ habitat and urged authorities to increase awareness of the danger that rubbish can cause to the marsupials.
‘As a concerned visitor I believe it’s crucial to address this issue promptly to protect both the quokkas and their habitat,’ Ms Liao told PerthNow.
Ms Liao also urged authorities to enforce stronger penalties for littering – which is currently a fine of $200.
A Rottnest Island Authority spokesperson insisted the wellbeing of the ‘iconic quokkas’ was the top priority.
Taiwanese tourist Fafa Liao was visiting Rottnest Island when she spotted a quokka eating a discarded cigarette butt (pictured)
‘The wellbeing of all wildlife, including the iconic quokkas, is a top priority for Rottnest Island Authority,’ the spokesperson said.
‘We urge all visitors to play their part in protecting the island by disposing of waste responsibly.’
Signs dot the island clearly warning tourists to limit their interactions with the small smiley wallabies.
Around 10,000 quokkas live on Rottnest Island, making the marsupial a vulnerable species.
Rottnest Island Authority conduct regular litter clean-up and street sweeping in the public and recreational areas of the holiday hotspot.
Information on correct waste disposal and about the protection of native wildlife is also available on the island, on visitor maps and online.
