On this page:
Scientific name: Dasyurus maculatus
About
Spotted-tail quolls are the largest native carnivore left on mainland Australia, aside from dingoes, and one of the closest surviving relatives to the Tasmanian Tiger. They have a pointed snout, sharp canine teeth and white spots along their body and tail.
These nocturnal marsupials create dens in tree hollows, rock crevices, underground burrows and fallen logs, where they shelter during the day.
They are generalist predators and hunt on the ground and in trees for a wide range of prey, including birds, reptiles, frogs, eggs and medium‑sized mammals such as possums and rabbits.
Spotted‑tailed quolls hunt alone and attack prey by biting the back of the skull or neck. If prey is too large to eat in one sitting, they return to the carcass until it is consumed. Because they are opportunistic feeders and will scavenge, they are susceptible to being hit by vehicles when feeding on road‑killed animals.
Where they are found
Spotted‑tailed quolls live in forests, woodlands and heathlands across eastern Australia. They favour rocky escarpments and boulder fields, which provide den sites and protection.
Threats
Both males and females breed with multiple partners during autumn and winter. Females produce a single litter of up to 6 young between May and August.
Young are carried in a rudimentary pouch until they are too large, then left in the den while the mother forages.
Spotted‑tailed quolls typically live less than 3 to 4 years and rarely breed after the age of 3. This makes populations particularly vulnerable if there are consecutive years of low breeding success.
Page last updated: 21/04/26