The western quolls are making a triumphant return to the wild in Western Australia after being absent from the state for over a century. These long-snouted marsupials, known for raising their young in chest pouches and hunting at night, are part of Australia’s diverse range of predatory marsupials.
The successful reintroduction effort took place in the expansive Mount Gibson Wildlife Sanctuary, covering 1,305 square kilometers. A total of 30 western quolls were released earlier this year, marking the largest single reintroduction effort in Australian history. The initiative was overseen by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy.
Conservationists are already witnessing positive signs of the quolls thriving in their natural habitat. The released quolls are spreading out across wide areas, settling into the environment, and, notably, reproducing. Researchers have detected females with pouch young, indicating successful breeding. The project’s success represents a significant milestone in the conservation of Australia’s unique wildlife.
Ahead of their release, 16 of the western quolls were equipped with radio tracking collars, marking a pioneering effort in studying this species. While radio tracking collars are commonly used in wildlife conservation for various species, this marks the first application for studying western quolls.
The use of radio tracking collars enables researchers to simultaneously track multiple quolls, providing valuable insights into their behavior, movements, and habitat usage within the Mount Gibson Wildlife Sanctuary. This innovative approach enhances the understanding of the quolls’ reintroduction and contributes to ongoing conservation efforts for the species.