The Australian marsupial that hunts like a cat but thrives on a unique diet

Nature · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Quolls are solitary, nocturnal marsupials that have roamed Australia and New Guinea for millions of years. Often mistaken for cats or martens by early settlers, these spotted predators are surprisingly adaptable hunters. Despite their resilience, they face severe threats from invasive species and habitat loss across their native range.

Quolls, members of the genus Dasyurus, evolved roughly 15 million years ago during the Miocene. These carnivorous marsupials are defined by their spotted fur and pointed faces, with six species currently recognized. They vary significantly in size, ranging from the small northern quoll, which weighs as little as 300 grams, to the spotted-tailed quoll, which can reach 7 kilograms. Their biology is uniquely suited to their environment; they can obtain all necessary hydration from their prey, allowing them to survive during periods of drought.

The social structure of quolls is largely solitary, with individuals marking territories that may span several kilometres. Mating occurs during the winter, and while a female may produce up to 30 offspring, the number of surviving young is strictly limited by the number of teats, typically six or seven. These animals are opportunistic hunters, using their paws and sensitive vibrissae to track prey into burrows. Their diet is diverse, encompassing insects, birds, reptiles, and mammals, and they have even been observed feeding on carrion.

Since European colonisation, quoll populations have suffered dramatic declines due to habitat destruction, urbanisation, and the introduction of invasive predators like foxes and feral cats. The toxic cane toad, introduced in 1935, remains a major threat to the northern quoll. Conservation efforts are now widespread, involving captive-breeding programs and reintroductions into predator-proof sanctuaries. While some species, like the eastern quoll, were considered extinct on the Australian mainland for decades, recent reintroduction projects in places like the Australian Capital Territory offer hope for their long-term survival.

The name 'quoll' itself has a complex history, derived from the Guugu Yimithirr word 'dhigul' and popularized by naturalist David Fleay in the 1960s to replace misleading colonial labels. Today, these animals serve as a critical focus for Australian conservationists, who continue to study their unique haematology and behaviour to ensure these ancient marsupials do not vanish from the wild.

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