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Northern Quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus)

Rotating banner images of Custodians who have called this region home

Collaborative and Potential Collaborative Partners

Territory Wildlife Park
Biodiversity & Conservation Unit (NRETA)
Dr Karen Firestone
Charles Darwin University (CDU)
Dr. Meri Oakwood

Status

Federal Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 2006: Endangered.

Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act- N.T. 2006: Critically endangered. IUCN – 1994: LR near threatened.

There may be number of factors resulting in their decline. The rapid advance of the cane toad (Bufo marinus) into tropical Northern Territory has been catastrophic for the northern quoll. Studies have revealed that many populations have been decimated and may be unlikely to recover in the areas from which they have already disappeared (Watson and Woinarski, 2003 & Oakwood, 2004). Remnant populations are known to survive in Queensland where cane toads are present, although precise factors that have led to remnant population’s survival are as yet, not fully understood (EPBC listing 2005).

It is not yet known if local NT extinctions of quolls will be permanent or whether they will recover and recolonise after a period of time (Oakwood, 2004).

Description

The Northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus) is one of six species in the genus Dasyuridae. Four species of these carnivorous marsupials are found in Australia and two species in New Guinea. The Northern quoll is the smallest of the four quoll species inhabiting Australia. The body is usually brownish grey in colour with white spots and a cream to white underbelly. The tail is covered in straight coarse dark hair with only the occasional white spot on some individuals (Cole & Woinarski, 2002). They are distinguished from other Australian quolls by the smaller size, the largely unspotted tail and striated pads on a five-toed hind foot (Braithwaite & Begg, 1998). Adults show marked sexual dimorphism, with males averaging 760 g and females 460 g (Oakwood, 1997; Oakwood, 2002). Occasionally, males may reach 1200 g (Oakwood, 1997; Oakwood, 2002; & Rankmore, pers. comm.) and females, 690 g (Oakwood, 1997). They are predominantly nocturnal and are both arboreal and terrestrial. The northern quoll has been described as ‘pugnacious’ in disposition and although the smallest of the four Australian quoll species, are considered the most aggressive.

Distribution/Habitat

All of the quoll species in Australia have declined in their range, although the decline of the northern quoll is the most recently recognised (Strahan, 1995). Studies reveal that the geographical range of this species is diminishing, particularly from lowland savanna (Braithwaite & Griffiths 1994; Oakwood 1997). The Northern quoll once occupied a broad band across the north of the country but is now restricted to isolated populations across the top end of Australia. They also occur naturally on several islands off the N.T. and W.A. coasts (EPBC listing 2005). Northern quolls are found in a variety of habitats but are most common in open lowland savanna forest and rocky dissected plateau.

Primary TWP Objective

A formal captive breeding and research program was undertaken by TWP in 2006. The captive breeding program aims to provide a genetically sound insurance population for the northern quoll while research into the cane toad continues. A genetically sound captive population has the capacity to act as insurance for the northern quolls translocated to the Northern Territory islands of Pobassoo and Astell, by the Conservation and Biodiversity Unit (NRETA) in 2003, ensuring mainland genetics persist.

A sound captive population will have the capacity to re-stock decimated areas in the future. This program also aims to investigate further breeding biology and importantly, cane toad aversion or avoidance to assist with successful supplementation or reintroduction to the wild. Inclusion of quolls that have or are coexisting with cane toads are regarded as most important to the breeding program. Any apparent innate toad aversion needs to be exploited as aversion does not appear to be a learned
behaviour in the northern quoll (M. Oakwood, pers. Comm. 2006) and may point toward genetic evolution resulting in possible long term and overall survivability of the species in the wild.

TWP Quoll Project History

1998-2002

Territory Wildlife Park began a pilot breeding study in 1998 to record information on northern quoll breeding biology in the case of suspected declines associated with cane toad arrival. Breeding was successful to F2 generation and draft protocols recorded.

2003-2004 Collaborative project

As a result of the threat to Northern Territory populations, the Island Ark project was led by the Biodiversity Conservation unit of the Department Of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts (N.T) in cooperation with traditional owners and other species experts. The primary objective was to establish viable sustainable insurance populations on suitable remote, un-inhabited, cane toad free
islands off the Northern Territory coast.

TWP provided assistance with the processing, veterinary assessment, treatment and micro-chipping, DNA sample collection and temporary housing of 66 quolls destined to set up the island populations. This successful project continues to monitor their progress. The Island Ark populations represent some of the northern quoll genetics from eastern Top End areas now severely affected by cane toad incursion on the mainland including those from Kakadu National Park.

TWP Progress to Date

The captive breeding program undertaken in 2006 had a successful first year producing 57 offspring. In 2007, the breeding group numbers 34 pairs with some pairs being sent to other ARAZPA institution to assist with the project. This project provides the opportunity for important research to be carried out, with both in-situ and ex-situ research aspects being investigated. This aims to include involvement and/or assistance and partnerships between Biodiversity and Conservation scientists, CDU and other
Universities, research students, ecologists and geneticists such as Dr Meri Oakwood and Dr Karen Firestone. An integrated approach is suggested in regards to the potential release of excess quolls and the set-up of a collaborative scientific release and monitoring study.

ASMP Proposed Population Management Program -1b.

It has been a Monotreme and Marsupial Taxon Advisory Group (M&M TAG) decision to prioritise the Northern quoll (D. hallucatus) and the Tiger quoll (D.maculatus) (ASMP Census, 2006). A number of ARAPZA institutions have assisted the program by offering spaces for the species.

Studbook Keeper: Jenny Kirwan
A studbook has been compiled & is used to ensure the sound genetic management of the captive population. A Husbandry Manual is currently being written to standardise captive husbandry.

Acknowledgements