Dasyurus maculatus (Kerr, 1792), Spotted-tailed Quoll

General Description

Body fur red or brown, sometimes black, with white spots; yellow-grey underneath. White spots also cover the tail. Body up to 75 cm, tail up to 55 cm.

Biology

Spotted-tailed Quolls eat birds and medium-sized mammals, such as possums and bandicoots. They are active at night (nocturnal) but sometimes also during the day. They climb into tree hollows for shelter.

Distribution

Small populations exist in eastern mainland Australia and Tasmania. The endangered status listing relates to the subspecies Dasyurus maculatus maculatus, which lives in the south-east of mainland Australia.

Habitat

Rainforests, dry forests, sclerophyll forests, coastal heath and scrub.