THE POPULATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF THE SPOTTED TAILED QUOLL (Dasyurus maculatus gracilis) IN THE CAIRNS REGIONAL COUNCIL AREA Luke Jackson, Alberto Vale Australian Quoll Conservancy PO BOX 510, Smithfield Qld 4878, Australia
Abstract
The Spotted-tailed Quoll Dasyurus maculatus gracilis - is found only in the wet tropics of North Queensland (Nth Qld). Limited studies have been undertaken on the population and distribution of this animal. The most comprehensive study was undertaken 15 years ago by Dr Scott Burnett as a PhD study that applied across the whole wet tropics, not just the CRC area. No individual studies on the population and distribution of STQs specifically in the CRC area have ever been undertaken. This report determines that there are existing stable populations in two locations and likely populations at lower densities in other locations as well as linking corridors which STQs use. The report recommends further targeted studies over a longer period in certain areas, as well as pest management and protection of corridors. It is recommended that the AQC undertakes this work in collaboration with rangers from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS).
Introduction The Spotted Tailed Quoll (Dasyurus maculatus maculatus and Dasyurus maculatus gracilis) is the largest carnivorous marsupial found on the Australian mainland and is the second largest extant carnivorous Australian marsupial after the Tasmanian Devil. It is found in coastal areas and on the Great Dividing Range in South East QLD, NSW, and Victoria. It is also found across Tasmania and there is a small isolated population – a subspecies (Dasyurus maculatus gracilis) - in North Queensland’s Wet Tropics. 1