Quoll Seekers
Network
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The Quoll Seekers Network (QSN) collects and disseminates information for a greater understanding of quoll ecology, through population monitoring, mapping, sharing information with the community, and campaigning for their protection.
North Queensland is the only place on mainland Australia where two quoll species occur side-by-side — the spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) and the northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus).
Our aims
Since 2007, Wildlife Queensland’s support of QSN has ensured ongoing data collection within the state and continued efforts to address the threats quolls face from habitat loss and invasive species.
QSN’s activities include:
- promoting quoll-friendly landscape management
- conducting camera-monitoring surveys and detection dog surveys in areas where quolls are likely to be found or were historically found
- working with state and local governments to implement conservation projects, develop programs and support communities in the restoration of habitat
- educating communities and raising awareness of the importance of quolls via workshops, webinars, and Quoll Discovery Days.
Quoll species we protect
Australia has four species of quoll: the spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus), the northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus), the eastern quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus), and the western quoll (Dasyurus geoffroii). The spotted-tailed quoll and the smaller northern quoll are both found in Queensland.
Spotted-tailed quolls and northern quolls are both endangered. Their populations are small and their habitat is getting smaller.
QSN has been actively surveying for spotted-tailed quolls and northern quolls in key locations across South East Queensland using baited remote cameras and scent detection dog surveys teams. Our survey data has been used to increase the quality and quantity of knowledge and to raise much-needed community awareness about quolls in Queensland.
Northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus)
Current QSN projects
Ongoing activities
QSN works with local councils, and landcare and conservation groups on various projects. Activities have included:
- Partnering with the Quoll Society, Park Ridge Connect, Noosa & District Landcare and Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee to host a series of Quoll Discovery Days for landowners and wildlife enthusiasts across South East Queensland.
- Working with detection dog teams, Carnarvon Canines and the University of Sunshine Coast Detection Dogs for Conservation, in partnership with Logan City Council to discover spotted-tailed quolls in Logan
- Partnering with Scenic Rim Council to survey for quolls on participating Land for Wildlife properties in the Scenic Rim Region.
Additional ongoing QSN activities include:
- survey events
- supporting scientific research
- presentations to youth and community groups
- educational publications.
Searching for spotted-tailed quolls in Logan West
QSN conducted camera surveys on five private properties in Logan West between March and September 2023. These surveys were part of a spotted-tailed quoll camera survey project supported by a Logan City Council EnviroGrant. Watch the presentation below for the survey results.
Get involved
report a sighting
like on Facebook
Like or follow our QSN Facebook page for the latest quoll conservation news.
Adopt a quoll
QSN resources
Species profiles
Fact sheets & guides
- Saving the Spotted-tailed Quoll: A Landholder’s Guide
- Quolls in North Queensland Email us to request a copy
- Spotted-tailed Quolls Email us to request a copy
Videos, webinars & picture books
Further reading
Websites:
- NSW Office of Environment and Heritage — quoll species profile
- Commonwealth Department of the Environment and Energy — quoll species profile
- Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania — quoll species profile
Saving the Spotted-tailed Quoll: A Landholder’s Guide
Saving the Spotted-tailed Quoll: A Landholder’s Guide is produced by Wildlife Queensland’s Quoll Seekers Network and funded by the Queensland Government’s Community Sustainability Action grant program. The guide aims to provide practical ideas that may contribute to saving this elusive species.
Download the guide as a PDF document.
Or Email us to request a printed copy.
Latest QSN news
A day in the life of an ecologist: Swapping the office for the rainforest
In our latest Wildlife Blog, Wildlife Queensland’s Communications Officer, Wenda Shurety, trades her keyboard for hiking boots to experience a day in the life of an ecologist.
Quoll seeking in South East Queensland continues
Wildlife Queensland’s Quoll Seekers Network continues its search for endangered northern and spotted-tailed quolls in South East Queensland, conducting new infrared camera surveys in remote sections of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland’s national parks.
Wildlife Queensland projects update: From elusive quolls to butterfly corridors
Wildlife Queensland project officer Hannah Thomas has been busy gathering spotted-tailed quoll data, planting platypus habitat, creating butterfly corridors, and installing greater glider hollows.