7.10.1.9 Northern Quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus) The Northern Quoll is listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act and Least Concern under the NC Act. The Northern Quoll is the smallest of the four Australian quoll species, roughly the size of a small cat (Department of the Environment, 2022) (Oakwood, 2008). The species is characterized by reddish brown fur with a cream-coloured underside, white spots along the back and rump, no spots along the tail, and a pointy snout (Menkhorst & Knight, A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia, 2011) (TSSC, 2005). The predominantly nocturnal species breeds once a year between late May and early June and has a short lifespan with males living approximately 1 year and females up to 3 years in the wild (DSEWPC, 2011) (TSSC, 2005). Historically, the species occurred commonly in northern Australian from Pilbara, WA to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland in southern Queensland, however an estimated 75% reduction in range between 1900 – 1990 has contracted distribution to several disjunct populations within this range (Braithwaite & Griffiths, 1994) (DSEWPC, 2011) (TSSC, 2005). The main contributing factor to this reduction is thought to be the spread of the invasive cane toad ( Rhinella marina ), although the species suffers from several other threats including predation by feral cats and foxes, inappropriate fire regimes, and habitat degradation and/or destruction (DSEWPC, 2011) (Hill & Ward, 2010) (TSSC, 2005). Habitat critical to the survival of the NQ is described as habitat where the species is least exposed to threats or least likely to be in the future (Hill & Ward, 2010). Eucalypt forests and woodlands with shallow soil, proximity to permanent water, and large areas of rocky habitat are the species preferred habitat, however they may also occur in rainforest patches, vegetation along creek lines, and around human settlement (DSEWPC, 2011) (Woinarski, et al., 2008). Rocky areas provide denning habitat, protection from predators, retain water, host a diversity of microhabitats with floristic and prey diversity, and ameliorate fire impacts (Hill & Ward, 2010). There were no records or evidence of the species within the Project area recorded during field surveys (active searches, habitat assessments, camera trapping). Two larger dens and one smaller den habitats were noted during field habitat assessments, out of which only one was suitable habitat. The density of available dens is low and not sufficient to hold a breeding population of Northern Quolls. Leaf litter and debris were observed as potential foraging habitat for the species. The number of dens within the Project area is too low to support a population of NQ due to insufficient breeding habitat. There is around 19.95 ha of potential foraging and dispersal habitat for NQ within the Project area, however much of the area is highly disturbed and suitable habitat for the species exists in the surrounding area. Previous fauna surveys have also not identified suitable habitat or records of NQ in the Mount Morgan Mine area (Houston, 2003). During the GHD ecology survey conducted during April 2025, a scat potentially belonging to the Northern Quoll was observed adjacent to Upper Mundic Gully dam. A Quoll subject matter expert visually examined photos of the scat and considered it ‘highly likely’ to be a northern quoll scat based on comparison with reference photos and the lack of traits of any other possibilities (i.e. large amphibian, large skink, or other co-occurring mammal species). However research papers encourage those using non-invasive scat sampling to genetically confirm the identity of the scat donor to ensure unbiased descriptions of ecology. (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/400077447_Who_knows_poo_Inaccuracy_of_scat_ identifications_in_the_field_necessitates_genetic_confirmation_of_scat_donors). The scat was not collected so could not be definitively confirmed via DNA or hair analysis. Given the presence of suitable habitat, a scat considered ‘highly likely’ to be Northern Quoll by a subject matter expert and proximity to recent historical records, the Northern Quoll was considered likely to occur by GHD. GHD recommended additional camera traps targeting the scat location area are considered in future surveys to confirm presence of the species. During August to September 2025 WTS conducted a supplementary ecological survey whereby eight (8) cameras were deployed for a duration of 16 nights. The locations of the camera survey
Project number: 25B061
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