4.5.1.3 Northern quoll – confirmed present A confirmed northern quoll scat (Plate 4-4) was observed at potential latrine site adjacent to Upper Mundic Gully dam. This specimen was verified by an independent subject matter expert. The northern quoll ( Dasyurus hallucatus) is listed as endangered under the EPBC and LC under the NC Act. The northern quoll was formerly widespread across northern Australia; however, its range has contracted significantly over the past century, with populations largely disappearing from lowland areas and the semi-arid margins of its historical distribution (Braithwaite and Griffiths, 1994). This decline is primarily attributed to poisoning from cane toad ( Rhinella marina ) ingestion, habitat degradation associated with agricultural activities, and predation and competition from introduced carnivores (Hill and Ward, 2010). In Queensland, extant populations are now predominantly restricted to rocky upland areas that offer some refuge from cane toad invasion and are less impacted by agricultural development (TSSC, 2005). The northern quoll occupies a diverse array of habitats and exhibits opportunistic foraging behaviour, consuming a wide range of prey items (Hill and Ward 2010). Denning sites are also varied, including rocky outcrops, hollow logs, termite mounds, goanna burrows, and anthropogenic structures (Dixon and Huxley, 1985; Braithwaite, 1990; Oakwood, 2002). Despite its broad habitat tolerance, two habitat types (rocky uplands and offshore islands) are considered critical to the species' survival, as these areas offer refuge from major threats and are likely to support the species into the future (Hill and Ward, 2010). Foraging habitat for the quoll has been identified as habitat consistent with habitat critical to the survival of the species. Foraging habitat was observed within the project area, across the three RE types found within the project area (REs 11.10.2, 11.10.4 and 11.12.6). Dispersal habitat is present across the entire project area. Suitable habitat within the project area for the northern quoll is shown in Figure 4.8 The species is confirmed present throughout the project area. The nearest historical record occurs approximately 7 km northeast of the project area from 2000 (DETSI, 2025). Due to the lack of large boulders and potentially suitable breeding sites (i.e. caves), dense presence of cane toads, no suitable breeding habitat is present within the project area. Suitable foraging and dispersal habitat occurs across the above RE’s within project area (Plate 4-11). The northern quoll is sparsely distributed across its range and is confirmed present within the project area.
Plate 4-11
Suitable foraging and dispersal habitat for the northern quoll recorded across the project area
GHD | Heritage Minerals Pty Ltd | 12626510 | Heritage Minerals Mount Morgan 47 This document is in form. The contents, including any opinions, conclusions or recommendations contained in, or which may be implied from, this document must not be relied upon. GHD reserves the right, at any time, without notice, to modify or retract any part or all of the document. To the maximum extent permitted by law, GHD disclaims any responsibility or liability arising from or in connection with this document.
Powered by FlippingBook