The Western Quoll is a carnivorous marsupial native to South Australia and, as predators, have important roles to play in the health of the ecosystem. Sadly, western quolls were became locally extinct due to a combination of invasive predators and extensive land clearing.
This project is part of the overall safe haven project in the Flinders, Gammons and Gawler Ranges with funding initially covering the Red-tailed phascogale reintroduction.
Read more here about other species.
EPBC:
VulnerableIUCN:
Near ThreatenedThreats:
Project Location:
Vulkathunha-Gammon 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 this charismatic species return to their native home in the Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges.
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.
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.
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.
Working with DEW, this third phase aims to:
Repopulate the remote Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges with Western Quoll.
Following the release, the 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.
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.
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
April 11th, 2023
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