Population structure, turnover and movement of spotted-tailed quolls on the New England Tablelands

Abstract

Between 2000 and 2002 two populations of the spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) were studied on the New England Tablelands using trapping surveys and radio-tracking. Overall, 85 individuals were trapped, but only two individuals were trapped throughout the 26 months of the study. Trapping was male-biased (74%). Adult males (>1 year) were substantially larger than females. On average, males travelled longer distances than females, and the maximum distances recorded were 8.1 and 3.9 km for a male and female respectively. Home ranges of males overlapped substantially, whereas those of females appeared to be exclusive. Mortality rates and the turnover in the quoll populations appeared to be substantial and at the beginning of autumn the populations comprised ~50% juveniles.