Dasyurus hallucatus Gould, 1842

Common Names

The northern quoll, scientifically named Dasyurus hallucatus, is also commonly called the northern native cat, the North Australian native cat, or the satanellus.

Taxonomic Classification

It is a carnivorous marsupial that is native to Australia.

Current Range

The current range of the northern quoll extends from the Pilbara region of Western Australia, across the Northern Territory, to southeastern Queensland.

Historical Range Fragmentation

Historically, the species had a continuous range that stretched from southeastern Queensland to the Kimberley region of Western Australia; today, its populations are split into several separate, disconnected groups.

Preferred Habitat

This quoll species is most abundant in rocky ranges and open eucalypt forest.

Habitat Importance Confirmation

Analysis of species occurrence records confirms that rocky areas are important habitat for the northern quoll.

Post-Colonisation Decline

Northern quoll populations have declined sharply since the European colonisation of Australia.

Northern Territory Range Contraction

One study conducted in the Northern Territory recorded an approximately 60% contraction in the species' extent of occurrence.

Comparative Decline Rates

Out of nine species analysed in this study, only the brush-tailed rabbit-rat, the sole remaining species in the genus Conilurus, experienced a larger decline.

Decline Variation Drivers

In the Northern Territory, northern quoll populations appear to be persisting and declining more slowly in geographic areas with higher vegetation complexity, lower elevation, and milder temperatures.

Threat Mitigation Pattern

This pattern suggests that threats to the species may be reduced or better tolerated in these types of areas.

Isolated Population Genetic Diversity

More geographically isolated populations, such as those found on islands, contribute very little to the overall genetic diversity of the species.

Isolated Population Inbreeding

These isolated populations also show relatively high levels of inbreeding compared to northern quoll populations on the Australian mainland.