ADAPTATIONS OF A EASTERN QUOLL Classifying the Eastern

ADAPTATIONS OF A EASTERN QUOLL

Classifying the Eastern Quoll � � � Kingdom-Animalia Phylum-Cordata Class-Mammal Order-Dasyuromorphia Family-Dasyuridae Genus-Dasyurus

Adaptations Quolls are native marsupials to Australia and New Guinea. The Eastern Quoll utilises a variety of habitats including dry sclerophyll forest, shrub, heathland agricultural land In Tasmania individuals occur most commonly where there are ecotones between cleared pastures and eucalypt forest, reflecting the availability of prey along forest edges. Riparian forests are also frequently used, particularly where a movement path is provided through cleared landscapes. The Eastern Quoll requires hollow logs, rock piles and even haysheds in which to den.

ADAPTATIONS � � The eastern quoll is a solitary predator, hunting at night for its prey of insects and small mammals. It has also been known to scavenge food from the much larger Tasmanian devil. The breeding season begins in early winter, and the female gives birth up to 20 young. Of these, the first to attach themselves to the six teats will be the only survivors. Weaning takes place at about 10 weeks of age, with the young staying in the den whilst the mother forages.

� � ADAPTATIONS (continued) The eastern quoll is nocturnal, which means it is active at night. In the daytime the eastern quoll retreat’s to a den in a borrow. Some physical adaptations are that its fur can help it camouflage. The eastern quoll has sharp teeth to hunt.