Southern Tiger Quoll, Dasyurus maculatus maculatus
Problem:
Southern Tiger Quolls
are disappearing due to the threats of intensive land use and introduced
pests.
Background Information:
Also known as the
Spotted-tailed Quoll, it is a spectacular example of a large carnivorous
marsupial that has declined in numbers whenever it has encountered humans.
Clearing has removed over 70% of the forests and woodlands in the former range
of the Southern Tiger Quoll in south-eastern Queensland.
Research:
Queensland Department
of Environment and Heritage research suggests adult Southern Tiger Quolls may
have a ‘territory' of up to 500 hectares. There are few areas where such
territories exist without Quolls encountering the effects of humans. These
effects include habitat loss and fragmentation, disease, competition with foxes
and feral cats, poisoning by dingo baits and cane toads and death by
shotguns.
Solution:
Locate all existing
populations of Quolls and determine the relevant threatening processes. Reduce
habitat loss. Control feral pests. Reduce Quoll deaths due to ‘1080'-type
dingo baits. Educate people to ensure quolls are protected on private
land.
The next species is the Dugong