Spot-tailed Quoll

Dasyurus maculatus maculatus

Australia's Threatened Species Category

Endangered

Listed since: 1/09/2020

IUCN's Threatened Species Category

Near Threatened

Listed since: 15/06/2015

Population trend: Decreasing

Other names: Spotted-tail Quoll, Tiger Quoll (southeastern mainland population)

Priority Species? No

The Australian government's Threatened Species Action Plan 2022-2032 selected over 100 priority species derive from consultation with threatened species experts and the wider community. While all species are important, focusing on a limited number of species can help target effort and resources so that outcomes can be achieved, measured and shared.

Description

Despite declines across much of its range, the Spotted-tailed Quoll has remained abundant in some areas of NSW, at least up until the 2019-20 bushfires with 29 per cent of the species distribution overlapping with the fire-affected extent. High frequency fire may reduce the structural complexity of their habitat and the abundance of some of their preferred prey.

Threats

The greatest threat to the Spotted-tail Quoll is habitat loss and modification and aspects of the biology and ecology of Spotted-tailed Quolls render them especially susceptible to threatening processes. They are generally solitary and occupy large home ranges, and consequently occur at low population densities. They have a relatively short lifespan and a low overall reproductive output, with some females breeding only once or twice during their lives.