Eastern Quolls

Eastern Quolls at Hobart Zoo and Aquarium

Cute, curious, and covered in striking white spots, Eastern Quolls are one of Tasmania’s most fascinating native predators. Once widespread across south-eastern Australia, these small carnivorous marsupials now survive naturally only in Tasmania, making them a special part of the island’s unique wildlife. [dcceew.gov.au], [wwf.org.au]

In the wild

Eastern Quolls live in a variety of habitats across Tasmania, including dry forests, grasslands, coastal heath, farmland, and open woodland. They prefer areas where shelter and food are plentiful, often nesting in underground burrows, hollow logs, rock crevices, or dense vegetation during the day. [wwf.org.au], [dcceew.gov.au]

Primarily nocturnal, Eastern Quolls emerge after dusk to hunt and forage. Their diet includes insects, spiders, worms, small mammals, birds, reptiles, and carrion. They are opportunistic feeders, using their keen sense of smell and excellent night vision to locate food. [wwf.org.au], [parks.tas.gov.au]

Although generally solitary, Eastern Quolls can be bold and inquisitive. They communicate using scent marking and vocalisations and are known for their energetic behaviour during the breeding season.

Breeding occurs in autumn, with females giving birth after a short gestation. Tiny joeys develop in the mother's pouch before moving to a nest den. Most Eastern Quolls live for only a few years in the wild, making successful breeding each season critical for maintaining populations. [wwf.org.au], [en.wikipedia.org]

How We Support Eastern Quoll Life at Hobart Zoo and Aquarium

A Natural Foraging Experience

Our Eastern Quolls enjoy a varied diet that reflects their natural feeding habits. Food is hidden throughout the habitat to encourage foraging, exploration, scent tracking, and natural hunting behaviours.
Safe Places to Rest and Explore

Logs, rocky shelters, climbing structures, and nesting areas provide Eastern Quolls with opportunities to dig, climb, investigate, and choose where they spend their time, supporting their physical and behavioural wellbeing.
Supporting Conservation

Hobart Zoo & Aquarium helps raise awareness of Tasmania's unique wildlife and the importance of protecting native species like the Eastern Quoll. Every visit helps inspire greater appreciation for wildlife conservation.

Conservation and Status

The Eastern Quoll is listed as Endangered under Australia's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act and is also recognised as Endangered by the IUCN.

The species' disappearance from mainland Australia was driven by a combination of threats including introduced predators such as foxes and feral cats, disease, habitat changes, poisoning, and persecution. In Tasmania, populations have also experienced declines, with predation by feral cats, vehicle strikes, and changing environmental conditions continuing to pose challenges.

Conservation organisations, researchers, and wildlife parks are working together to monitor populations, improve habitat, reduce threats, and establish new populations in protected mainland sanctuaries. These efforts provide hope for the long-term recovery of this remarkable marsupial.

At Hobart Zoo & Aquarium, our Eastern Quolls help connect visitors with Tasmania’s unique wildlife and inspire support for conservation programs that protect native species.