Spotted-tail Quoll

Dasyurus maculatus maculatus (Tasmanian population)

Australia's Threatened Species Category

Vulnerable

Listed since: 6/05/2016

IUCN's Threatened Species Category

Near Threatened

Listed since: 15/06/2015

Population trend: Decreasing

Other names: Spot-tailed Quoll, Tiger Quoll (Tasmanian 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

The species is distributed across the whole of Tasmania and is a forest dependent species that occupies a large range of habitats, however habitat can be characterized by high annual rainfall and predictable rain patterns. Spotted-tailed Quolls (Tasmanian population) are carnivorous and hunt primarily on the ground, although arboreal behaviour has been observed. Their diet consists primarily of mammals, particularly medium sized mammals; however, birds, reptiles and invertebrates are also eaten.

Threats

The high rate of land clearing and habitat loss and fragmentation across the species' core range, however, suggests a declining population. 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.