[New post] BREAKING AUSTRALIA: Eastern quolls return to regional Victoria after work by Odonata Foundation
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#AceBreakingNews - Seven eastern quolls have been released in western Victoria, marking a long-awaited return for the species feared lost to extinction in mainland Australia.
Eastern quolls have been released in Tiverton, Western Victoria.(Supplied: Annette Ruzicka)none
Key points:
The eastern quoll is now only found in the wild in Tasmania
A breeding program has been run for the species
It's hoped the newly released quolls will help restore the health of the eco-system
As the sun began to set on Thursday, a team of scientists and onlookers gathered to introduce the cat-like creatures to their new habitat — a 1,000-hectare working Merino sheep farm named Tiverton.
The re-introduction of eastern quoll to Victorian soil is the culmination of seven years' work from environmental charity Odonata Foundation and Mount Rothwell Biodiversity Interpretation Centre, the state's largest feral-predator-free eco-system.
A sanctuary in Tasmania, where eastern quolls are relatively common, helped bring the initial breeding pair to Victoria.
Described as "fiercely cute" by the World Wildlife Fund, the marsupial hasn't been seen in the state since the 1950s.
The eastern quoll is capable of catching prey almost as large as itself. (Supplied: Annette Ruzicka)none
Restoring a bad reputation
While the exact reason for the depletion of the eastern quoll population remains unclear, it's thought to be a combination of feral predators and human action.
The species was much maligned by farmers In the late 1800s and early 1900s due to their predation of domestic chickens, according to a research paper by Federation University.
Odonata Foundation executive chairman Nigel Sharp said the eastern quoll had a "pretty bad rap".
The eastern quolls breeding program has been running at Mt Rothwell for the past seven years.(Supplied: Annette Ruzicka)none
"At the time, everyone was just trying to get rid of all the native species without understanding their function to the natural system," Mr Sharp said.
"We want to demonstrate that it's OK to have quolls running around the farm, and we're pretty confident we will do that."
Mr Sharp said the eastern quoll had an important role to play in restoring the health and balance of the eco-system.
"We think they'll be strong positives for remnant vegetation," he said.
Small but effective hunters, the eastern quoll helps with controlling pests such as rabbits, mice, and rats.
"Putting back the species hierarchy helps manage different insects and invasive [species] as well," he said.
The quolls will have company at their new home too, with the Odonata Foundation also responsible for re-introducing the eastern barred bandicoot to the sheep farm.
The eastern quolls will be free to explore the 1000-hectare property at Tiverton.(Supplied: Annette Ruzicka)none
"Getting the quolls in there is going to be a whole other level to observe, and we've got a lot of people that are very excited about this," Mr Sharp said.
He said a team of experts from Mount Rothwell would consistently monitor the eastern quolls in-person, and with cameras.
Several major Australian universities are also involved.
"Our science team, which includes Melbourne University and Australian National University has set some goals and observation objectives … so it's a comprehensive program," Mr Sharp said.
The eastern quoll's reputation took a beating in the late 19th century and early 20th century. (Supplied: Annette Ruzicka)none
Big goals for 2030
Nigel Sharp is confident eastern quolls will benefit the ecosystem.(Supplied: Pete James Photography )none
Mr Sharp said the return of the eastern quolls was another step in the right direction for Odonata Foundation, which aimed to stop the extinction of 30 threatened species by 2030.
"We've just started the bush stone-curlew breeding program which is going very well at Mount Rothwell, and the eastern bettong program," he said.
"And we've got a couple of species in Western Australia that we're starting."
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