Saving the Northern Quoll
The Northern Quoll is one of Australia’s most unique and fascinating animals. Known for its feisty temperament, this small carnivorous marsupial plays a vital role in maintaining the health of ecosystems across Northern Australia. But this remarkable species is in serious trouble.
Today, it faces numerous threats, from habitat destruction to the deadly invasion of cane toads. Here’s why we need your help to protect them and how you can get involved.
What Makes the Northern Quoll Special?
It is the smallest of the four quoll species, but don’t let its size fool you. Weighing up to 1.2 kg, it is a skilled predator with a striking appearance—white spots on its back and rump, and a long unspotted tail that can grow up to 35 cm. These agile climbers use their short “thumb” on their hindfeet for gripping and navigating rocky terrain.
This “native cat” is more than just cute; as a predator, the Northern Quoll helps regulate the populations of small mammals, playing an important role in balancing ecosystems.
Why Is the Northern Quoll Threatened?
Once thriving across the northern third of Australia, Northern Quoll populations have dramatically declined. The introduction of invasive species such as feral cats and cane toads, changes in fire management practices, and land-use alterations have devastated their habitats.
Cane toads, in particular, pose a deadly threat. Quolls, attempting to hunt these toxic invaders, often fall victim to the poison the toad glands just underneath their skin.
Protecting the Northern Quoll
The Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife (FNPW) is actively supporting two vital conservation projects aimed at safeguarding the future of the Northern Quoll. These initiatives involve First Nations Rangers who are leading the charge in remote regions like Arnhem Land and the Kimberley. Here’s a glimpse into the incredible work happening on the ground:
- Warddeken Mayh (Species) Recovery Project: In partnership with the Karrkad Kanjdji Trust, First Nations Rangers are using advanced data and traditional ecological knowledge to protect threatened species like the Northern Quoll (Djabbo). Through controlled fire management and monitoring their numbers, First Nations Rangers are creating safe habitats for the quolls, ensuring these precious creatures can survive in a changing environment.
- Regional Ecology Support Project: With the Kimberley Land Council and regional Ecologist Marlee Hutton, Indigenous Rangers are monitoring species like the Northern Quoll and gathering crucial population data. FNPW’s support has enabled them to blend traditional knowledge with modern science, resulting in more effective conservation efforts.
How You Can Take Action
You can make a difference today by voting for the Northern Quoll in the Project’s “Marsupial of the Year 2024“. Every vote will help us raise funds to continue with our conservation efforts. Together, we can ensure the survival of the Northern Quoll and protect the ecosystems they help sustain.
