# Spotted-tailed Quoll (*Dasyurus maculatus*)

> 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.

- **Category:** Mammal
- **Conservation status (IUCN):** Near Threatened
- **Range:** Eastern Australia from Queensland to Tasmania in forests and woodland.
- **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/quoll/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Scientific classification

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Mammalia
- **Order:** Dasyuromorphia
- **Family:** Dasyuridae
- **Genus:** Dasyurus

## Facts at a glance

| Attribute | Value |
| --- | --- |
| 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) |

## 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.

## Frequently asked questions

### 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.

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/quoll/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.