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Quick answer
The spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) is the largest marsupial carnivore still widespread on mainland Australia, hunting in wet forests from Queensland to Tasmania. Adults can weigh about 4 kg, take possums, rabbits, and insects, and are Near Threatened as habitat loss and foxes squeeze remaining populations.
Top questions about the Spotted-tailed Quoll
Spotted-tailed Quoll facts at a glance
- Weight 4 kg
- Length 75 cm
- Top speed 30 km/h
- Lifespan 5 years
| Scientific name | Dasyurus maculatus |
|---|---|
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Habitat | Wet sclerophyll forest and rainforest edges |
| Lifespan | Around 5 years in the wild (varies by population and captivity). |
| Weight | About 4 kg typical adult mass (sex and region vary). |
| Top speed | Up to roughly 30 km/h when moving at speed. |
| Conservation status | Near Threatened (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Dasyuromorphia |
| Family | Dasyuridae |
| Genus | Dasyurus |
Where it lives
The spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) is native to Eastern Australia from Queensland to Tasmania in forests and woodland. — recorded across Oceania in this guide’s range summary.
For occurrence records, see GBIF species search and sources below.
How big is a spotted-tailed quoll?
An adult spotted-tailed quoll measures 75 cm long — about 43% of the height of an average adult person (1.73 m) — and weighs around 4.0 kg, about 6% of an average adult’s body weight (70 kg).
Length vs an average adult’s height (to scale)
What is a group of spotted-tailed quolls called?
Group name (collective noun)
A group of Spotted-tailed Quolls is called a pack.
Baby name
A baby Spotted-tailed Quoll is called a joey.
Explore more animal collective nouns and baby animal names .
Spotted hunter of the night
Unlike smaller quolls, the spotted-tailed quoll has white spots on the body and the tail. Pink nose, sharp teeth, and climbing ability let it raid trees as well as the forest floor.
Possums, rabbits, and carrion
Diet includes possums, gliders, rabbits, birds, insects, and carrion. They may travel long distances nightly in large home ranges. Across its range it is tied to wet sclerophyll forest and rainforest edges, and field accounts emphasise this species’ distinctive ecology rather than generic habitat labels.
Eastern forests to Tasmania
Wet sclerophyll forest and rainforest edges of eastern Australia from Queensland to Tasmania. Hollow logs and rock dens are important shelter.
Near Threatened forest carnivore
IUCN lists the species Near Threatened. Land clearing, foxes, cane toads in the north, and persecution as poultry thieves all contribute to declines.
Explore the Spotted-tailed Quoll
Range & geography
Conservation status of the Spotted-tailed Quoll
The spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. Near Threatened (NT) means a species does not yet qualify as threatened but is close to it, or likely to become so in the near future without ongoing conservation. It is a watch-list category just below Vulnerable.
The spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) is assessed on the IUCN Red List. Look up on the IUCN Red List .
Frequently asked questions about the Spotted-tailed Quoll
Is a quoll a cat?
No — quolls are dasyurid marsupials, related to Tasmanian devils rather than placental cats.
What is the biggest quoll?
The spotted-tailed quoll is the largest quoll species and the largest marsupial carnivore on mainland Australia.
Do spotted-tailed quolls climb trees?
Yes — they are capable climbers and often hunt arboreal mammals.
Are quolls dangerous to pets?
They can take poultry and may conflict near farms; they rarely threaten people.
Where do spotted-tailed quolls live?
Eastern Australian forests from Queensland to Tasmania. Native range summary: Eastern Australia from Queensland to Tasmania in forests and woodland.
What is a group of spotted-tailed quolls called?
A group of Spotted-tailed Quolls is called a pack.
What is a baby spotted-tailed quoll called?
A baby Spotted-tailed Quoll is called a joey.
Sources & references
This guide is compiled and reviewed against established zoological and conservation references. Key sources for the Spotted-tailed Quoll:
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IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Conservation status (Near Threatened) reflects the IUCN Red List category for Dasyurus maculatus.
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iNaturalist — observations & photos
Search citizen-science observations and community IDs for Dasyurus maculatus. Useful for range checks and recent sightings — not a substitute for formal Red List status.
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GBIF — occurrence data
Global Biodiversity Information Facility species search for Dasyurus maculatus. Explore published occurrence records used in range research.
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Global Animal Guide editorial standards
How we research, source, review, and update every guide for accuracy.
