There is now hope for a species that was once on the brink of extinction.
A group of researchers in Australia has made an exciting discovery. Recently, ecologists at the Mt Gibson Wildlife Sanctuary found a litter of newborn creatures that are a part of the western quoll species. These are small, spiky animals that are known for being marsupial carnivores.
At one point, western quolls were found all over Australia. However, after European settlers arrived, the population of these animals began to shrink. Today, western quolls, also known as chuditchs, are only found in small groups in the southwestern part of Australia.
These animals are about the size of a cat and play an important role in their ecosystem. They help control smaller animals like invertebrates, reptiles, and birds.
Now, researchers have some good news. Over the past few months, scientists have been working to bring the species back to the Mt Gibson Wildlife Sanctuary, an area where they had disappeared. The recent discovery of baby quolls shows that these efforts are working. It looks like the animals are adjusting well to the sanctuary and are able to reproduce.
Georgina Anderson, a Senior Field Ecologist at the Australian Wildlife Conservancy, shared that regular monitoring shows the quolls are thriving. “Finding pouch young is a great sign that the quolls are adapting to their new environment,” she said.
One of the quolls, named Aang, has become a regular visitor to the camera traps set up by the researchers. He is one of the largest quolls, with a big personality to match. Aang is known for going from one camera trap to another, often stealing the chicken used as bait.
This discovery is a positive sign for the future of the western quoll, and researchers are hopeful for the species’ recovery.