Spotted-tailed Quoll

Spotted-tailed Quoll
Dasyurus maculatus

The Spotted-tailed Quoll (Tiger Quoll) is the largest and most arboreal (tree-dwelling) of the six quoll species, and is easily distinguished by the presence of white spots on both its body and tail. It is a carnivorous marsupial that preys on small and medium-sized animals at night, but is also known to be an opportunistic carrion feeder.

Quolls are seasonal breeders and males display lengthy courtships, at times severely biting the females. Unlike their smaller relative, the Northern Quoll, the majority of males do not die after the first breeding season. Females give birth to an average of five young after a short gestation period of 21 days. Young remain in the pouch for two months and become independent after 18 weeks.

Habitat clearance and predation and competition from introduced cats and foxes are major threats to the species. In addition, females and younger animals are susceptible to poisonous baits used to control fox and wild dog numbers.

Distribution: north-eastern Queensland, eastern Australia from southern Queensland to Victoria and Tasmania
Conservation status: Near Threatened
Evolutionary distinctiveness: Low