Spotted-tailed Quoll

Scientific name: Dasyurus maculatus
  • Updated
    31/07/26
  • Read time
    2 minutes
Spotted-tailed Quoll, Dasyurus maculatus Click to enlarge image
The Spotted-tailed Quoll, Dasyurus maculatus is the second largest carnivorous marsupial in Australia after the Tasmanian Devil. Image: James Bennett
CC BY-NC 4.0

Fast Facts

  • IUCN Conservation Status
    ENDANGERED (EN)
  • Classification
    Genus
    Dasyurus
    Species
    maculatus
    Family
    Dasyuridae
    Order
    Dasyuromorphia
    Subclass
    Marsupialia
    Class
    Mammalia
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    35 cm - 75 cm

The Spotted-tailed Quoll is the second largest carnivorous marsupial in Australia after the Tasmanian Devil.

Identification

There are four species of quolls in Australia and all have the characteristic pointed snout, well-developed canines and hairy tail. As their name suggests, the Spotted-tailed Quoll is the only species where the pattern of white spots on the body continues to the tail.

Conservation status

The Spotted-tailed Quoll population is seriously threatened throughout mainland Australia and these marsupials are rarely seen in Sydney. The introduction of feral animals such as foxes, cats and dogs, as well as diseases and the destruction of their forest habitats, have greatly reduced their numbers.

Habitat

Spotted-tailed Quolls live in forests and woodlands and heath.

Distribution

The Spotted-tailed Quoll is found in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania.

This map shows species occurrence observations from data recorded in the Atlas of Living Australia.

Feeding and diet

At night, this solitary animal hunts and feeds on a variety of prey including birds, medium-sized mammals and reptiles, which it attacks by biting the back of the skull or neck.

Spotted-tailed quoll resting on a mossy rock among dense bush, seen in side profile with its head turned toward the viewer and its full face visible.
The Spotted-tailed Quoll, Dasyurus maculatus is the second-largest carnivorous marsupial in Australia after the Tasmanian devil. Image: Catherine Grenfell
CC BY-NC 4.0

Behaviours and adaptations

During the day, the Spotted-tailed Quoll shelters in caves, rock crevices or hollow logs.

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