| Spotted-tailed Quoll |
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| Saturday, 29 March 2008 20:48 |
The spotted-tailed quoll is the largest native carnivore left on mainland Australia. It lives in forest, woodland and dense coastal heathland. The quoll's distribution has decreased markedly since European settlement, and it is now uncommon across most of its range. The small Queensland subspecies is nationally endangered and the larger south-eastern subspecies, although common in Tasmania, is listed as nationally vulnerable. Much of the spotted-tailed quoll's habitat has been cleared or fragmented. Other likely threats include predation by foxes; competition with foxes and feral cats; poison baiting for dogs, foxes and rabbits; and chance events such as bushfires and disease. However, the discovery of foxes in Tasmania threatens the quoll's continued security on the island. Considerably larger than the other quolls, the spotted-tailed quoll has unmistakable colouring – red-brown with bold white spots along the entire body and tail. It is largely nocturnal and eats small to medium sized mammals and birds, such as possums and rosellas, and also large insects, spiders and scorpions. It forages in trees and on rock faces as well as on the ground. Mating takes place between April and July and the average litter size is five. Pups are weaned and independent by 18 weeks. Northern Quoll |
| Last Updated on Saturday, 29 March 2008 21:49 |