1. Unique Marsupials of Aus & New Guinea
Quolls are a unique species of marsupial found in the forests of Australia and New Guinea. They are adept climbers, able to scale trees with ease, but they prefer to live on the ground. They are nocturnal creatures, and their diet consists of small mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, and even carrion. Quolls are an important part of the Australian and New Guinean ecosystems, helping to keep the populations of their prey species in check.
Also → Dingoes: A Species of Wild Dog Highly Adapted to Their Environment
Advertisement2. A Small, Spotted Marsupial That Hunts Small Mammals
Quolls are small marsupials native to Australia and New Guinea, and they are roughly the same size as a domestic cat. They typically weigh between 1 and 2 kilograms, and measure between 30 and 45 centimeters in length. Quolls have a distinctive spotted coat, and their diet consists mainly of small mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. They are nocturnal animals, and they use their sharp claws and teeth to hunt their prey.
Also → Possums: A Unique Australian Animal
3. The Wild and Scary Australian Animal
Quolls are fascinating animals with their pointed snouts, pink noses, sharp teeth, large dark eyes, and thick soft fur. They are also known for their long tails, which can range from 20 to 35 cm in length. These tails are used for balance when they are climbing trees and foraging for food. Quolls are native to Australia and New Guinea, and they are carnivorous, feeding on small mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects.
Also → Red Foxes: The Most Widespread Fox Species
4. The spotted-tail quoll is the largest quoll species
The spotted-tail quoll is the largest species of quoll, reaching up to 75 cm in length and weighing up to 7 kg. These impressive creatures have a distinctive spotted tail, which is often used to identify them. They are found in Australia and New Guinea, and are the largest of the four species of quoll. They are carnivorous, and feed on small mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. They are also nocturnal, and spend their days in hollow logs or burrows.
Also → Bobcats: Wildcats in Many Habitats
Advertisement5. The smallest quoll species is also the most endangered
The northern quoll is the smallest of the quoll species, weighing in at less than a kilogram. In comparison, female quolls of other species are typically larger, with some reaching up to 4 kilograms in weight.
Also → Water Rats: A Species Important to Ecosystem
6. A marsupial with a unique pouch
Quolls are fascinating marsupials native to Australia, with females breeding once a year in winter. During this time, the female quoll will give birth to a litter of pups, which she will carry in her pouch until they are ready to venture out into the world. The pouch is located on the female's tummy, and provides a safe and warm environment for the pups to develop.
Also → American Alligators Are Massive and Powerful
7. Amazing Animals with a Gestation Period of Just 21 Days
Quolls are remarkable animals, with a gestation period of only a few short weeks. After mating, the female quoll will carry her litter of up to 18 young for a mere 21 days before giving birth. During this time, the female will build a nest of leaves and grasses to provide a safe and comfortable environment for her young. After birth, the mother will nurse her young for up to 8 weeks before they are ready to venture out on their own.
Also → Sea Lions: Carnivorous Marine Mammals
Advertisement8. The Sleepy Nocturnal Creatures
Quolls are fascinating creatures, as they are nocturnal yet still bask in the sun on sunlit days. Depending on the species, they can be found sleeping in hollow logs or caves, or digging burrows to snuggle in. The larger species of quolls tend to sleep in hollow logs or caves, while the smaller species prefer to dig burrows to keep warm and cozy.
Also → Gharials: The Carnivorous Reptiles of India
9. The Savage Predator
Quolls are voracious predators, hunting and eating a variety of mammals such as possums, birds, frogs, insects, and lizards. They also supplement their diet with plant seeds and fruits, and will scavenge carcasses when they come across them. With their sharp claws and powerful jaws, quolls are formidable hunters, capable of taking down prey much larger than themselves.
Also → Caimans: Powerful Predators that Feed on a Variety of Prey
10. A Threatened Australian Mammal
Quolls are small, carnivorous marsupials native to Australia and New Guinea, and have a life span of between two and five years. They are nocturnal animals, and their diet consists mainly of small mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, and carrion. Quolls are solitary animals, and they are threatened by habitat destruction, predation by feral cats and foxes, and competition with introduced species.