Detour behavior in the Quokka (Setonix brachyurus).

Four quokkas (Setonix brachyurus) were tested in their natural environment for the ability to progress around a barrier to a desired goal object (food). Symmetrical and asymmetrical barriers were used with different lengths of side arm. Three quokkas showed significant tendencies to progress either left or right around the barrier, though this laterality declined as the length of the side arm of the barrier was extended. One quokka showed no behavioral laterality and this animal was also the only one to show spatial reasoning (spontaneous selection of the shorter route on first presentation of the asymmetrical barrier) as opposed to spatial learning (progressive improvement in choice of the shorter route with repeated experience).