At the sanctuary, a discovery was made that caught everyone’s attention—a litter of newborn creatures, each one covered in tiny spikes.
These fascinating creatures are none other than “western quolls.” As members of the marsupial family and carnivorous by nature, they stand out for their unique features.
Historically, the western quolls were found across Australia. However, with the arrival of European settlers, their numbers drastically dwindled.
Today, these quolls, also known as chuditchs, mainly inhabit the southwestern region of Australia, existing in just a few, scattered clusters.
Comparable in size to a cat, these marsupials play a pivotal role in their surroundings by keeping the populations of smaller invertebrates, reptiles, and birds in check.
A Fresh Start
In recent times, dedicated researchers have been striving to repopulate the western quolls at the Mt Gibson Wildlife Sanctuary, aiming to restore them to an area where they once thrived but had since vanished.
The recent finding of these young marsupials is evidence of the project’s success. It’s heartwarming to see that the animals are not only surviving but flourishing and reproducing.
According to Georgina Anderson, an AWC Senior Field Ecologist, “Our regular monitoring shows that the quolls are adapting well to their new home. Spotting the first pouch young is an encouraging indication of their adjustment to the sanctuary.”
One particular quoll, affectionately named Aang, frequently appears on camera traps installed at the release sites. Anderson described him as a striking and distinctive character, routinely making his rounds to gather the chicken used as bait, often causing mischief with the canisters.
It’s truly delightful to witness hope for the species. With continued effort and support, perhaps the western quolls will once again be prevalent across Australia!
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