Proceedings of the WWF-Australia Quoll Workshop

Thomas Madsen, University of WollongongQuoll GenesThomas provided an impromptu presentation on quoll genes. He has examined the biochemistry of toad poison andnoted that quoll genetics show that quolls have no natural immunity to toad poisonOverview Plenary for Theme 2Some key issues were identified and discussed further following the completion of Theme two. Key points discussedincluded the following:Genetic traits indicate no resistance to toad poison but possible behavioural-based resistance may exist.Changing fire regimes will make a huge difference to northern quolls. Fire alone is not the problem, but fire coupled withpredation that damages quoll populations. Fire resistant cover, such as rocks, help keep quolls safe from predatorsThe feasibility of moving quolls from Queensland to the Northern Territory was discussed.Q: Which quolls are more susceptible to 1080 poisoning?A: Most concern is over spotted-tailed quolls, however in some trials there appears to be low quoll mortality. It is importantto note that there is also a degree of uncertainty in some trials, and results in one location cannot be inferred across thespecies’ range.Bronze quoll © Steven Hamilton12