The Western Quoll (Dasyurus Geoffroii)
The Western Quoll
http://www.australianwildlife.org/wildlife/western-quoll-chuditch.aspx |
The Western Quoll, also known as a Chuditch (a Nyoongar name for the species), is a carnivorous marsupial that is approximately the size of a domestic cat. The Western Quoll has a brown fur coat with white spots on their back and their side but not on their tail, which is black from the middle of the tail to the tip.
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Environment
Challenges
The Western Quoll is a near threatened species. By living in this forest environment, the Western Quoll’s biggest challenges are predation from foxes and feral cats and habitat alteration caused by humans. Foxes and feral cats compete with the Western Quoll over food resources as each species shares similar dietary preferences being carnivores.
Land clearing, fire, grazing of stock, poisoning and shooting is all habitat alterations that are primarily caused by human decisions. The Western Quoll can have their home burnt down during a fire or they might be burnt in the fire. Land clearing minimise the undergrowth that can be used for habitats.
Land clearing, fire, grazing of stock, poisoning and shooting is all habitat alterations that are primarily caused by human decisions. The Western Quoll can have their home burnt down during a fire or they might be burnt in the fire. Land clearing minimise the undergrowth that can be used for habitats.
Adaptations
The spots of the Western Quoll help the animal blend in
https://www.flickr.com/photos/centralaustralia/2777094699 |
Structural: The Western Quoll has approximately 40 to 70 white spots that cover their body but not the tail. This spotted pattern helps to break up the Western Quolls outline in the moonlight so that the animal is protected from predators but also to mask the quolls movement in the moonlight.
Physiological: In hotter weather, the Western Quoll can lower its body temperature by a few degrees during the daytime to conserve energy. Behavioural: Western Quolls are largely solitary outside of breeding seasons. They can have a territorial area as large 55 hectares. During pregnancy, females construct burrows and make sure that there are no overlapping areas with other quolls regions. The solidarity is a reflection of their carnivorous eating habits by allowing as many food resources as possible. |
Rhythmic pattern
The Western Quoll is a nocturnal animal as it is mainly active at night, which is when the Western Quoll hunts for food –mainly large invertebrates. Daytime activity has been observed during breeding season and when cold or wet weather prevents nocturnal hunting.
Interesting Fact
The closest relative of the Western Quoll isn't any of the other type of Quoll species found in Australia. Its closest relative is the Bronze Quoll which is found in Papua New Guinea.