description Northern quoll Overview
The northern quoll is a small carnivorous marsupial native to eastern Australia. It’s notable for being the smallest species of quoll and critically endangered due to habitat loss and introduced predators like cane toads. Primarily found in rainforests and woodlands, it plays a vital role in controlling populations of invertebrates and small vertebrates. Conservation efforts focus on protecting remaining populations and mitigating threats within its limited range.
help Northern quoll FAQ
Why are cane toads so dangerous to northern quolls?
Northern quolls often attack and bite cane toads, whose toxins can kill an inexperienced predator. Cane-toad expansion has caused major quoll declines across parts of northern Australia.
Where do northern quolls still live in Australia?
They survive in fragmented populations across northern Australia, including parts of Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia's Kimberley and Pilbara regions. Rocky areas can provide important refuges because they contain abundant shelter and complex terrain.
How is a northern quoll different from a spotted-tailed quoll?
The northern quoll, Dasyurus hallucatus, is Australia's smallest quoll and has spots on its body but not its tail. The much larger spotted-tailed quoll has white spots continuing along its tail.
Are northern quolls active during the day or at night?
Northern quolls are mainly nocturnal, spending daylight hours in rock crevices, hollow logs, or other dens. At night they hunt insects and small vertebrates and may also eat fruit or carrion.
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