6 March 2025
Wildlife Queensland has concluded an extensive camera-trapping survey across national parks and state forests west of the Sunshine Coast and Gympie, searching for signs of the endangered spotted-tailed quoll and northern quoll. The results are concerning.
A comprehensive search
The spotted-tail quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) is now the largest native carnivore left on the mainland (excluding dingoes). The northern quoll (D. hallucatus) is the smallest quoll, with males weighing around 1kg.
Historical records suggest that both species once roamed the areas west of the Sunshine Coast and Gympie. Hence, the project sought to determine whether remnant populations still persist and to engage local communities in conservation efforts.
From April to October 2024, the project deployed 163 cameras across six protected areas, accumulating 6,736 trap nights of data collection. While the absence of quoll detections was disappointing, the project contributed to both fauna monitoring and strengthening community involvement in species protection.
Survey results: insights and implications
The project’s surveys covered Bellthorpe, Conondale, Wrattens, Woondum National Parks, and Imbil and Yabba State Forests. Although quolls were not detected, the cameras recorded 45 other species, including four species of conservation significance (Queensland’s Nature Conservation Act 1992): the koala (endangered), long-nosed potoroo (vulnerable), and black-breasted button-quail (vulnerable).
Despite the lack of quoll sightings, Wildlife Queensland Project Officer Paul Revie emphasised the importance of these findings:
“The lack of quolls despite anecdotal reports and historical records from as recently as the late 1990s is alarming. The results suggest that both the spotted-tailed and northern quoll are at best functionally extinct in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, and at worst have completely disappeared from the area.”
This decline mirrors a broader trend across southern Queensland, highlighting the need for urgent conservation efforts. Additionally, the spread of invasive species—including foxes, feral cats, and cane toads—continues to pose a serious threat to native wildlife. Stronger pest control measures are essential to protect biodiversity and support remaining populations of vulnerable species.
Engaging the community in conservation
Beyond data collection, the project’s strong community engagement component fostered public awareness and participation in conservation through a series of interactive events:
- Quoll Discovery Day in Maleny attracted 55 participants keen to learn about quoll ecology, conservation strategies, and the impact of invasive species.
- Hands-on training for Noosa and Districts Landcare trainees, providing practical experience in species identification, camera placement, and ecological monitoring.
- Volunteer participation in data analysis, where 12 university students and recent graduates reviewed over 45,000 camera trap images, enhancing both their skills and the efficiency of the research.
The Next Steps for Quoll Conservation
Despite the disappointing lack of quoll detections, the project laid the groundwork for future conservation efforts. The presence of the vulnerable long-nosed potoroo in two areas where it had not previously been recorded was a notable discovery. Additionally, data on invasive species will aid Wildlife Queensland and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service in refining pest management strategies.
Encouragingly, new public reports suggest possible quoll sightings in the Blackbutt and Yarraman regions, prompting plans for further surveys. If quoll populations are confirmed in these areas, they will need intensive management to protect and expand their range.
Wildlife Queensland remains committed to the search for remnant quoll populations.
What you can do
- Report a quoll sighting.
- Download the Landholders guide: Saving the Spotted-tailed Quoll.
- Learn more about Wildlife Queensland’s Quoll Seekers Network.
- Subscribe to our eBulletin Talking Wildlife to learn more about your local wildlife, plus Wildlife Queensland’s latest news, offers and events.
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