The Western Quoll and Red-Tailed Phascogale are carnivorous marsupials native to South Australia and, as predators, have important roles to play in the health of the ecosystem. Sadly, both species were wiped out by a combination of invasive predators and extensive land clearing.
Phase 3 - Native species repopulation of the Western Quoll and Red-tailed Phascogale
to the Vulkathunha-Gammon (Quoll) and Gawler Ranges (Phascogale)
EPBC:
VulnerableIUCN:
Near ThreatenedThreats:
Project Location:
Vulkathunha-Gammon and Gawler Ranges, SA
The Project
The mission to restore balance to South Australia’s northeastern ecosystems began with the first phase of this project seven years ago in the Ikara-Flinders Ranges, representing one of the world’s most successful predator reintroductions.
The third phase of our Western Quoll reintroduction to South Australia’s regional northeast will see these two charismatic species return to their native home in the Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges (Quoll) and Gawler Ranges (Phascogale).
Why we need to act
Idnya, or the Western Quoll (Dasyurus geoffroii), is a nocturnal hunter closely related to the more famous Tasmanian Devil, and feeds on various prey including birds, small mammals and insects. The Western Quoll had been absent from South Australia for more than 100 years before our successful reintroduction in 2014. As the top order predator in their habitats, they play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
The quoll's younger cousin, the Kenngoor, or Red-tailed Phascogale (Phascogale calura) is a small, tree-dwelling hunter previously found across much of Australia’s arid woodland from Western Australia and South Australia through to New South Wales. Featuring a rusty red tail longer than the rest of its body, the Red-tailed Phascogale weighs about the same as a chicken egg and preys on a variety of insects, spiders and small birds. They are incredibly agile and elusive creatures, and will be important additions to our work restoring the region’s biodiversity.
Threats to the species
Western Quolls are threatened by a number of factors including invasive predators, habitat loss and road fatalities, but have proven to be very capable of establishing themselves when given the chance.
The rapid spread of cats and foxes had a devastating impact on the Red-tailed Phascogale, which now finds itself restricted to a southern pocket of WA.
Solution and approach
Due to existing and ongoing management programs for invasive cats, foxes and goats, large areas exist in the Gammon Ranges that have benefited from the recovery of native vegetation. This regeneration has created a complex, structural habitat which provides food species and appropriate shelter for the Western Quoll and Red-tailed Phascogale.
Working with DEW, this third phase aims to:
Repopulate the remote Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges with Western Quoll.
Captive Breed ing and release of the locally-extinct Red-tailed Phascogale to the Gawler Ranges.
Following the release, both species will be closely monitored through regular trapping surveys to determine survival rates and identify any potential breeding. This data will also help to inform the reasoning behind any declines, should they occur.
DNA samples will be collected during monitoring to assess genetic health of the reintroduced populations moving forward.
Other outcomes for the project
The project has the support of the local Adnyamathanha men and women who will once again witness the return of their totems – the Idnya which are creation spirits of the Adnyamathanha Dreaming – to their natural habitat.
Project partners and additional funding information
An important aspect of our success to date is working with the right partners, which is why our collaboration with the Department of Environment and Water (DEW) continues.
Latest updates for this project
ABC News covers the Western Quoll
Read Article
April 11th, 2023
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