Aussie Ark Grow Breeding Population of Eastern Quolls

Aussie Ark have welcomed seven eastern quolls which flew in from Tasmania ahead of the breeding season for this threatened species. It is hoped that the new arrivals will take a liking to some of the resident quolls at Aussie Ark and help to boost numbers of their threatened species.

Three sanctuaries in Tasmania provided the seven quolls who represent a mix of males and females and both coat colours seen in the eastern quoll, black and fawn. They range between one and three years old – prime breeding age from these animals.

Breeding for the eastern quoll will peak between May and June meaning these additions arrived just in time. They will live within the Aussie Ark Species Recovery Unit where they will be paired through complex science involving DNA and genetics’ mapping. With quoll gestation being just three weeks it will soon be known if the individuals have bred successfully.

Aussie Ark Curator Kelly Davis oversaw the operation and is thrilled with the ‘fresh blood’ at the Barrington Tops’ facility.

“This species is extinct on mainland Australia,” Ms Davis said. “They only live in the wild in Tasmania and their numbers are in decline. Aussie Ark is a world-leader breeding and re-wilding the species. We’ve worked with the Eastern quoll for 5 years and to date bred over 200 joeys, which is a vital insurance population safeguarding them from complete annihilation.”

Alongside Aussie Ark Operations Manager Dean Reid, Ms Davis worked until the late night to health check each quoll before they were released in to an enclosure. All seven animals appeared in perfect health with no ill effects of their flight across the Bass Strait.