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Eastern quoll

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description Eastern quoll Overview

The Eastern Quoll is a carnivorous marsupial native to Australia and Tasmania. It’s notable as one of the few remaining species of quoll, facing significant threats due to habitat loss and introduced predators. Primarily found in Tasmania, it plays a vital role in its ecosystem as a predator of invertebrates and small vertebrates. Researchers, conservationists, and wildlife enthusiasts are particularly interested in this extant marsupial.

help Eastern quoll FAQ

Why did the eastern quoll go extinct on mainland Australia?

The eastern quoll disappeared from the Australian mainland around 1963, with predation by introduced red foxes and feral cats cited as the primary cause. Habitat loss and poisoning campaigns against rabbits also contributed to its collapse.

Are eastern quolls still found in Tasmania?

Yes — eastern quolls remain widespread in Tasmania, where the absence of foxes has allowed the species to persist. They are commonly seen in agricultural areas and national parks like Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair.

Is there a reintroduction program for eastern quolls on the mainland?

Yes, organizations like Rewilding Australia and Aussie Ark have been working on reintroductions in predator-free sanctuaries, including Mulligans Flat in the ACT and Barrington Tops in New South Wales. Some releases have used Tasmanian-born animals to seed new mainland populations.

What does the eastern quoll eat, and how does it hunt?

It is a nocturnal carnivore that feeds on insects, small mammals, reptiles, and carrion. Eastern quolls are solitary hunters that rely on scent and hearing rather than pursuit, and they often scavenge roadkill in Tasmania.

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