With its distinctive rufous-brown coat adorned with 40 to 70 striking white spots, it cuts a striking figure against the backdrop of Australia’s diverse landscapes. This carnivorous marsupial, also known as the Chuditch, boasts a unique blend of physical adaptations and behavioral traits that have enabled it to thrive in its natural habitat for centuries.

Adorned with creamy-white fur on its underside and a lighter-hued face, the Western Quoll’s appearance is further enhanced by the presence of pointed ears with distinctive white rims. These features, coupled with its large, expressive eyes, are finely tuned for its predominantly nocturnal lifestyle. As it prowls through the night, hunting for prey and navigating its surroundings, the Western Quoll’s keen senses and acute awareness ensure its survival in the face of numerous challenges.

A notable characteristic of the Western Quoll is the presence of a black brush that extends halfway up its tail, culminating in a distinctive tuft at the tail’s end. This feature serves both functional and visual purposes, aiding in communication, balance, and even temperature regulation while also providing a unique identifier for individual quolls.

Historically, Western Quolls roamed across vast swathes of Australia’s continent, occupying approximately 70% of its landmass. However, their range has since undergone a significant contraction, with populations now largely confined to the southwestern corner of Western Australia. This decline in distribution can be attributed to a range of anthropogenic factors, including land clearing for agriculture, urbanization, and resource extraction. Additionally, the incidence of forest fires has disrupted their habitats, further restricting their available range.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Australia

12,000-15,000

Official estimate

NT

2012

Western Australia