Quoll Welfare and Conservation in Australia

Quolls are threatened carnivorous marsupials in Australia and New Guinea that face threats from introduced predators, cane toads, and habitat loss.

Key Facts

Four quoll species are found in Australia and all are threatened or endangered
Spotted-tailed quolls are the largest carnivorous marsupials on mainland Australia
Quolls are particularly vulnerable to cane toad toxicity as they instinctively try to eat them
Predator-free island sanctuaries have successfully restored quoll populations

Welfare Considerations

Quolls face welfare threats from multiple introduced threats. Cane toad ingestion causes rapid death from toxic bufodienolides. Feral cats and foxes predate quolls that have evolved without these predators. Habitat loss from agricultural expansion and altered fire regimes reduces prey availability and shelter. Quolls have been successfully taught cane toad aversion through conditioning with mildly nauseous toad pieces before cane toads reach new areas, significantly improving survival rates of conditioned populations. Predator-free sanctuaries on islands and behind exclosure fencing have allowed population recovery. Northern quolls in particular are recovering in some managed locations. Individual quolls in rehabilitation require specific marsupial care protocols.

What You Can Do

Support quoll sanctuary and predator-free area programs in Australia
Donate to cane toad aversion conditioning programs for quoll populations
Advocate for predator control in quoll habitat areas
Support habitat restoration programs in quoll range including appropriate fire management
Learn about quoll conservation as an example of innovative threatened species management