Southern brown bandicoot
(Dasyurus maculatus)
The spotted-tailed quoll, also known as the tiger quoll, is the largest carnivorous marsupial on mainland Australia following the extinction of the thylacine. It plays a vital role in maintaining ecosystem balance as an apex predator and is a key indicator of environmental health. Its presence benefits numerous other species, making it a high-priority species for conservation. A few spotted-tailed quolls are present at Odonata’s Mt Rothwell sanctuary, where there is also an established population of eastern quolls.
Physical description
The spotted-tailed quoll is a distinctive species with a reddish-brown coat covered in white spots, a long, spotted tail, and sharp claws for climbing and hunting. It is the largest of the quoll species, with males weighing between 2.8 to 4.6 kg (occasionally up to 7 kg) and females between 1.5 to 2 kg. It has strong jaw muscles and excellent climbing abilities.
Habitat and distribution
Spotted-tailed quolls are found primarily in Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland. They inhabit rainforests, wet sclerophyll forests, and coastal woodlands with dense tree cover and ample prey.
Behaviour and diet
Spotted-tailed quolls are solitary and nocturnal, except during the breeding season. They are opportunistic carnivores, feeding on small mammals, birds, reptiles, and carrion.
Breeding
Breeding occurs during winter. After a gestation of around 21 days, females give birth to up to six young that develop in the pouch and then a den. Only the female provides parental care.
Conservation status
LC
NT
VU
EN
CR
EW
EX
Least Concern
Near Threatened
Vulnerable
Endangered (1999 EPBC Act)
Critically Endangered
Extinct in the Wild
Presumed extinct
Threats
Habitat destruction due to agriculture, deforestation, and urbanisation.
Predation by foxes and feral cats.
Road mortality.
Poisoning from baiting programs.
Climate change affecting habitat and food availability.
Success in the field
A few spotted-tailed quolls are present at Odonata’s Mt Rothwell Sanctuary. Odonata is exploring further conservation strategies, including a potential research project to evaluate the role of quolls in rodent control. A study is also underway in East Gippsland to investigate population declines. Future Species Distribution Modelling funding is being sought to support expansion.