First pouch checks of 2025 for endangered Eastern Quolls
20 new joeys confirmed in Aussie Ark’s Species Recovery Unit
Nationally significant result for a cohort that endured flood and snow mid-breeding season, and a species otherwise extinct on mainland Australia
Conservation organisation Aussie Ark is thrilled to announce 20 exquisite new Eastern Quoll joeys born this season in its Species Recovery Unit, after Wildlife Rangers conducted annual pouch checks in the habitats of four breeding females.
Breeding season is off to a thriving start, with health checks revealing several Eastern Quoll mothers carrying the maximum six joeys, while others are raising litters of three to five. This endangered, cat-sized marsupial predator is mostly active at night and breeds in mid-winter, with females capable of raising up to six young in their pouch.
This is an incredible result for Aussie Ark’s Eastern Quoll breeding and rewilding program, considering that during the peak breeding weeks, the Ark was pummelled by back-to-back weather disasters. Firstly, the NSW floods inundated the Species Recovery Unit with water, necessitating the evacuation of all the quolls, followed by two snow events, and finally the ‘weather bomb’ of high wind and rain that felled trees and smashed fences.
Through all these challenges, the Aussie Ark team worked around the clock to ensure the safety of its Eastern Quolls, refreshing nesting material daily and providing constant food and care to minimise stress. Overseeing the Eastern Quolls during this time was Wildlife Ranger Adam Mowbray, who said these 20 new joeys are proof of this exemplary care.
“The best indicator that an animal is thriving is when it reproduces,” Mr Mowbray said. “Seeing 20 healthy joeys is the ultimate sign that our Eastern Quolls are not only surviving but happy and secure in their environment.”
The Eastern Quoll was once widespread along Australia’s Eastern seaboard but was driven to extinction by the feral fox and cat. It’s now only found in the wild in Tasmania, where its population continues to plummet. Aussie Ark’s insurance population is the largest on mainland Australia, helping ensure the species has a future on the planet.
Aussie Ark is calling on the public to support this vital work to protect the endangered Eastern Quoll and secure a future for the next generation. Donations can be made at aussieark.org.au.
