Download Proceedings of the WWF-Australia Quoll Workshop

Proceedings of the
WWF-Australia
Quoll Workshop
15 - 16 April 2008, Sydney, Australia
© WWF-Australia. All rights reserved
ISBN: “Proceedings of the WWF-Australia Quoll Workshop” 978-1-921031-32-8
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Published December, 2008 by WWF-Australia. Any reproduction in full or in part of this publication must mention the title
and credit the above-mentioned publisher as the copyright owner.
First published 2008
The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of WWF.
Editor: Alison Colyer, Julie Kirkwood, Brydie Hill and Samantha Vine WWF
Designer: Helen Pitman, WWF
Cover image: Jamie Williams Photography
World Wide Fund for Nature ABN: 57 001 594 074
CONTENTS
Background
Workshop summary
Summary of actions and recommendations
List of participants
BACKGROUN D
Australia has the worst rate of mammal extinctions in the world. Since European settlement at least 10% of Australia’s
mammals have become extinct.
Quolls are mainland Australia’s largest surviving marsupial carnivore. When Captain Cook recorded ‘quolls’ as their
Aboriginal name in 1770, it is thought that most of Australia was inhabited by at least one quoll species. However, since
then quolls have declined in the wild.
There are four species of quoll found in Australia; the northern quoll, the eastern quoll, the western quoll, and the spottedtailed quoll. In New Guinea there are two species of quoll; the New Guinea quoll and the bronze quoll. All quoll species
are listed on the IUCN Red List.
Under Federal legislation in Australia, three of the four species are listed as being threatened, the spotted-tailed quoll,
western quoll and northern quoll. The fourth species, the eastern quoll, is not currently listed as being nationally threatened,
however its status is discussed in greater detail during this workshop. Further information on the current distribution of
all quoll species can be found in the Current Status and Distribution Updates of the Theme 1 Panel Discussion from this
workshop.
The following recovery teams and plans have been established for each quoll species;
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Northern Quoll, Dasyurus hallucatus
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National Recovery Plan in preparation, contact Brydie Hill, TSN, or Simon Ward, NRETA
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No formalised recovery team
Eastern Quoll,
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No recovery plan under development
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No recovery team
Spot-tailed Quoll, Dasyurus maculatus (Spotted-tailed Quoll, Tiger Quoll)
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National Recovery Plan in preparation, contact Gary Backhouse, DSE
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ACT Action Statement (2005)
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Victorian Action Plan (2003)
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No formalised recovery team
Western Quoll, Dasyurus geoffroii (Chuditch)
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Review of National Recovery Plan in preparation, contact Keith Morris, WA DEC
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Expired National Recovery Plan (1992-2001)
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No formalised recovery team
New Guinea Quoll, Dasyurus albopunctatus
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No recovery plan or team established
Bronze Quoll, Dasyurus spartacus
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No recovery plan or team established
WWF-Australia and the Threatened Species Network (TSN) invited conservation managers and researchers from all over
Australia and New Guinea to attend the first ever quoll workshop, 15-16 April, 2008,
The aim of the quoll workshop was to initiate steps towards achieving coordinated implementation of quoll conservation
in Australasia and to ensure that appropriate actions are being undertaken to conserve all quoll species. The workshop
helped to set priorities and improve communication and cooperation in order to pursue this first step.
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WORKSHOP SUMMARY
Objective:
The key objective of the workshop was to find the best way to achieve coordinated action and implementation of key
priorities for quoll conservation in Australasia.
Key aims of the workshop to help pursue this objective were to:
1. Identify common national and international issues and priorities across all quoll species
2. Share new research and lessons learned
3. Support collaborative networks and communication among researchers and conservation managers
4. Identify clear actions to progress quoll conservation into the future
Themes:
Presentations and workshops to pursue these key aims were provided over the two days through four key sessions:
Theme 1: Updates and new information
Theme 2: Threats and interactions
Theme 3: Conservation actions
Theme 4: Barriers and solutions
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Workshop participants © Helen Pitman/WWF
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Theme 1: Updates and new information
Presentations for this introductory theme provided overviews of new research and current knowledge gaps, quolls in New
Guinea, and suggested priority actions for future quoll conservation. A number of presentations were given which aimed
to provide an overview of WWF-Australia’s reasoning for the workshop, of which summaries are provided below.
Tammie Matson, Program Leader Species, WWF-Australia
WWF-Australia Flagship Species Approach
Tammie Matson outlined the goals and activities of WWF-Australia’s Species Program, particularly in relation to the
organisation’s Flagship approach. WWF has selected national flagship species on which to focus its work. These species
(or groups of species) are representative of threats and/or habitats that relate to many other plants and animals, so
that by conserving the flagship species there will be a significant broader biodiversity benefit. Flagship species are also
chosen for their charismatic and iconic qualities, thereby having the capacity to mobilise public support and action for
conservation.
Kat Miller, Program Manager – Threatened Species, WWF-Australia
Threatened Species Network and Quoll Conservation
Kat Miller summarised the role of the Threatened Species Network, which is a joint program of WWF-Australia and
the Australian government. Kat also described the Threatened Species Network’s role to date in quoll conservation,
which ranges geographically from Tasmania to the Northern Territory, working with community and indigenous groups,
government agencies and policy makers for the benefit of gathering better information and reducing the threats to quoll
species.
Just some of the quoll projects with which TSN have been involved include;
• the translocation of northern quoll to cane-toad free offshore islands in the NT
• working with Traditional Owners, Lianthawirriyarra Sea Ranger Unit and NT Parks and Wildlife Service to establish a
monitoring program for northern quolls on the Sir Edward Pellew Islands.
• the establishment and support of the Qld Quoll Seekers Network
• numerous habitat enhancement projects for the spot-tailed quoll in Queensland, NSW, Victoria and WA
• regional Victorian spot-tailed quoll surveys and community training on spot-tailed quoll and habitat identification
• tracking of western quolls released into Denmark State Forest, WA, and engagement with local community in baiting
program
Karen Firestone, Taronga Conservation Society Australia
Overview of New Research and Current Knowledge Gaps
Karen Firestone identified a number of knowledge gaps in quoll conservation. In particular she identified gaps regarding
the taxonomic status of quolls, the phylogeographical status of northern quolls and the genetic response of northern
quolls to cane toads. She noted a general lack in understanding of the basic biology and ecology of New Guinea quolls
and the factors limiting bronze quoll distribution. Both species are found only in New Guinea. As well as a need for further
research on New Guinea and bronze quolls, there is a need for further understanding of spotted-tailed quolls in north
Queensland and Tasmania.
Karen outlined recent research that has focussed on quolls and their response to cane toads. This research has found
that in Queensland cane toads have reduced quoll populations, but that persisting populations of quolls still remain. In the
Northern Territory there have been localised extinctions caused by cane toads. In Western Australia there has been no
exposure of quolls to cane toads to date but the toad front will inevitably cross into Western Australia in the near future.
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Plenary
The following discussion and questions were covered following the presentation.
Karen Firestone indicated a desire for a dedicated field project focusing on New Guinea and bronze quolls. She also
agreed to accept genetic samples from work conducted by the workshop participants.
Q. What yard sticks are used for determining ESU (Evolutionary Significant Units)?
A. Usually it’s a divergence of 5% in mammals.
Q. Has anyone tried breeding the bronze quoll with the New Guinea quoll?
A. So far no, it’s not clear if they would produce viable offspring.
Q. Are the eastern quolls the most ancestral species?
A. No, the northern quolls are.
Q. Are cane toads present in the TransFly?
A. They are, but so far they are not widely spread.
Q. What are the current priorities of the PNG government departments?
A. At the moment the priorities encompass community and sustainable development, thus there is very little support for
conservation research.
Q. What other species are connected with quoll conservation in New Guinea?
A. Possibly bats and water rats, but it’s not really known at this time. {Ed. - Depending on which species of quoll you refer
to, these could be tree kangaroos, cuscus, possums, rats and other small mammals, }
Steven Hamilton, University of New South Wales
Quolls of New Guinea
Steve outlined the key factors relevant to quoll conservation in New Guinea. He noted that two of the six quoll species
occur in New Guinea: the Bronze quoll Dasyurus spartacus and the New Guinea quoll D. albopounctatus, and that the
TransFly biota of Southern New Guinea is ‘typically Australian’.
In relation to pest animals as a threat to quolls, foxes do not occur in New Guinea, however cane toads are established
in several areas of PNG and are present on Daru Island (1km offshore of the TransFly region of PNG). A new shipping
port is currently being constructed on Daru that may increase the likelihood of toads establishing themselves in the
TransFly area. Anecdotally an increase in domestic cat presence has been observed in remote villages where they were
not previously kept. This is concerning as it has the potential to facilitate the establishment of feral populations. Cats
have become established as feral populations in the TransFly in the last 30 years. Anecdotal evidence suggests New
Guinea quolls D. albopunctatus have become less frequently sighted following establishment of domestic cats in villages
elsewhere in New Guinea.
Oil palm plantations are also an increasing threat to lowland forest areas, through clearing and habitat fragmentation.
Steve described quoll trapping that was carried out in New Guinea with prototype light weight transportable traps designed
for travel and local conditions. Despite intensive trapping over 8 weeks with 100 traps per night, only 8 captures were
made of D. spartacus in the Transfly region.
The New Guinea quoll D. albopunctatus has the largest continuous extant distribution of all quoll species. There is
currently understood to be one single island wide population, and we are investigating population structure using genetic
techniques. The species has been recorded in grasslands through to wet forests and moss forest, from sea level through
to 3500 metres elevation. The New Guinea quoll is absent from southern lowlands where the bronze quoll occurs.
The bronze quoll is considered to have the most restricted distribution of all quoll species. The bronze quoll inhabits
lowland monsoon mixed savannah lower than 60 metres in elevation. The species was first recorded in 1972 and is
known only from 12 museum specimens. The bronze quoll is the only TransFly restricted mammal in New Guinea that
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is not also present in Australia. It is highly likely to have been (or still is) present in Cape York during the periods when a
land bridge connected the TransFly with much of Northern Australia as recently as 8000 years ago.
The bronze quoll is closely related to the extant subspecies of western quoll D. geoffroii fortis. The subspecies of western
quoll D. g.geofroii that extended into the Northern Territory and Queensland that is now extinct may be even more closely
related. The relationship between these two species is being investigated using DNA from museum specimens of D.
g. geoffroii. This research will determine how similar the bronze quoll is to this extinct subspecies. Already the genetic
relationship between the bronze quoll and the extant SW WA western quoll is almost as close as the same genetic
species, genetic similarity with populations across the former range of D. g. geoffroii are likely to be even greater. It may
well be that D. spartacus is the closest and last remnant of the extinct eastern Australian D. g. geoffroii subspecies.
Plenary
The following plenary questions were discussed:
Q. What are the major threats to the bronze quoll?
A. Our lack of understanding of their ecology, distribution and threats is a key threat itself. Known threats include
poisonous cane toads (assumed but not proven) that are 1km away from the TransFly population, feral cats which have
recently established in the savannas and increased habitat disturbance, particularly altered fire regimes and weeds (by
inference of the impact of these on other quoll species). There may be interplay between all of these threats that when
combined intensify the overall threat to the species particularly when considering the very limited natural distribution of
this species.
Q. What can we do about the cane toads?
A. Steven suggested the need for an emergency response plan to be ready should a viable cane toad population
become established in the TransFly region (if it has not already established). Such a plan is likely to be focussed around
establishing a population safe from toads in the interim. It is not clear if toads have already made it into portions of the
TransFly or what effect their presence has on the bronze quoll.
Steven suggested that more interest in New Guinean issues could be generated by linking the bronze quoll with its sister
species the western quoll with which it is extremely closely related (more so than Tasmanian and mainland Australian
spotted-tailed quolls or seen between populations of Northern quoll between WA and QLD). When taxonomically reviewed
the bronze quoll may be found to be a remnant outlying population (sub-species) of western quoll. A relict of its former
widespread range across arid Australia from when New Guinea and Australia were joined by a huge land bridge as
recently as 8000 years ago, the TransFly may be the last refugia for this eastern extreme of a western quoll genetic cline
that extended across the Australian continent 150 years ago. If western quolls were to ever be reintroduced to former
areas of their natural range in Queensland, it might be plausible to consider the TransFly stock as the most representative
of these extinct populations (by geographic proximity) rather than extant populations much further away in south west
Western Australia. It must be pointed out that huge areas of the former range of the western quoll in Australia have not
been adequately surveyed to confirm their extinction or absence. Given the high effort required to locate Bronze quolls in
New Guinea, efforts of a similar scale have not been undertaken in potential areas of North Australia that may have once
harboured either the Bronze quoll or the eastern form of the Western quoll.
Q. Could the islands between New Guinea and Australia become quoll refugia?
A. If appropriate resources and support were made available, there are several islands in the Torres Strait under Australian
jurisdiction that might be candidates for translocated populations. All of these islands are under native title. We know
enough about quoll husbandry to easily create an interim captive population as an insurance population and this may
well be a first step in creating island populations as quarantine measures are likely to require such if animals were to be
transferred from PNG to Australia (even though its only a few kilometres in distance). The organising of this though would
require a large commitment, as the species is not listed as an Australian species, there are few avenues available for any
co ordination or support from within Australia. There is almost no possibility of support from PNG to co ordinate such.
Q. How do the local communities feel about quoll conservation?
A. Land owner communities in New Guinea are largely unaware of the significance or uniqueness of quolls on their land,
but possess a great base knowledge of many of their natural resources, particularly in the TransFly where resource
limitations are intensified by a seasonally dry landscape.
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We need more baseline population and distribution data on both the bronze and New Guinea quolls and should exercise
extreme conservation diligence given the history of decline in all quoll species throughout Australia.
Steven Hamilton stressed that there has been large scale human trans-migration into West Papua from Java and other
areas of Indonesia, escalating lowland forest encroachment in West Papua.
Panel Discussion
Current Status and Distribution Updates
Presentations from theme one were followed by a panel discussion, with the following updates provided:
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Spotted-tailed quoll update by Jenny Nelson (Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Victoria)
Spotted-tailed quolls were historically widely distributed through eastern Australia. They are declining everywhere
across their range except in Tasmania (which is possibly due to competitive release resulting from reduced Devil
numbers), north-east New South Wales and south-east New South Wales
The distribution of spotted-tailed quolls historically includes Queensland, NSW, Victoria, Tasmania and South
Australia. However they are considered likely to be extinct in South Australia.
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Western quoll update by Keith Morris (Department of Conservation, WA)
Western Quolls are found in a 500 km radius around Perth. They were formerly found all over Australia. The species
is monitored regularly as part of the WA DEC Western Shield project.
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Eastern quoll update by Menna Jones (University of Tasmania)
Eastern quolls once occurred on the mainland as well as Tasmania, however they are now restricted to Tasmania.
The species occurs widely in Tasmania, with common but patchy distribution. They prefer low to medium rainfall and
edges of improved pasture paddocks.
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Bronze and New Guinea quolls update by Steven Hamilton (University of New South Wales)
Steve noted that museum and anecdotal information is the basis of our current knowledge on both of these quoll
species.
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Northern quoll update by John Woinarski (NT Dept of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts)
Northern quolls once occurred across one-third of Australia. They prefer rocky areas. They are currently declining
due to inappropriate fire regimes, pastoralism, possibly cats and cane toads. The Kimberley populations are likely to
also decline as a result of these threats. A recovery plan is currently being prepared by Brydie Hill and Simon Ward
(NT NRETA).
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Theme 2: Threats and interactions
The theme of threats and interactions was explored through overviews of quoll-predator interactions and baiting, quoll
and Tasmanian devil interaction, quoll and cane toad interaction and discussion of future actions needed.
Al Glen, Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre
Competition Between Quolls and Eutherian Predators
To begin, Al defined two types of competition that may exist between quolls and other predators:
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Exploitation competition: A contest for limited resources, such as food
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Interference competition: Direct antagonism, such as chasing, fighting or killing.
In relation to 1080 poison baiting, Al outlined that quolls will consume baits intended for foxes and wild dogs. He discussed
that trials using toxic baits have not killed spotted-tailed quolls as often as predicted by non-toxic trials. For example,
Körtner and Watson found more quolls killed by predators than by 1080, in their research in Northern NSW, suggesting
that perhaps spotted-tailed quolls would benefit from best practice 1080 baiting. This research was conducted in Northern
NSW and may not necessarily be applicable elsewhere, such as Victoria where quoll numbers are extremely low and
environmental variables such as prey densities are different.
For spotted-tailed quolls, Al highlighted that due to resource-use overlap there is a potential for competition with introduced
predators, and noted that removal experiments are needed to explore this further. Competition has the potential to drive
quoll populations to extinction and Al considers that there is a potential trade-off between the risks and likely benefits of
1080 baiting in quoll habitat.
For western quolls (or Chuditch) Al noted that the species is known to be killed by foxes and / or cats. Capture rates for
western quolls are much higher in areas with fox baiting and research has shown that survival is lower in the unbaited
areas. While a mechanism is yet to be identified (e.g. release from exploitation competition, interference competition or
predation), anecdotal observations suggest that the Chuditch may benefit from fox baiting.
For eastern quolls, Al noted that foxes are a major threat, hence the establishment of foxes in Tasmania is a key concern
for the survival of this species.
Plenary
The following plenary questions were discussed.
Q. What constitutes best practice baiting?
A. We need to restrict the debate to baiting programs using approved methods and dosages. Evidence for negative
impacts of illegal baiting tells us little because the type of bait, method of distribution and dosage of toxin used in an illegal
operation cannot be known.
Q. What about the effect of different delivery methods e.g. aerial versus buried?
A. Buried baiting is used in situations requiring a targeted approach where there is particular concern over non-target
species. It is very labour and cost intensive.
Q. Are dingoes a threat to quolls?
A. Possibly, but not nearly as much as foxes. The fact that quolls have survived in the presence of dingoes for several
thousand years suggests that they are able to coexist.
Dietary overlap is likely to be lower between quolls and dingoes because dingoes consume a wider range of prey sizes,
whereas foxes and quolls both consume mainly small to medium-sized prey. Dingoes might also benefit quolls by limiting
fox numbers.
Q. Are we setting ourselves up for an ‘invasion’ of cats?
A. Quolls seem to be able to co-exist better with cats than with foxes but more information is needed.
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Clare Hawkins, Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries and Water
How do Quoll and Devil Populations Interact?
Clare outlined key features of the Devil Facial Tumour Disease, an infectious spreading cancer that Tasmanian devils
have no immune response to. The disease is present even in relatively low population densities and is consistently fatal.
The disease has caused an overall 64% decline in spotlighting sightings since the disease was first detected in 1996.
Niche overlap has been demonstrated between quolls and devils, so the disease might be expected to have a knock-on
effect on quolls. Data on spotted-tailed quolls shows no trend, but is very limited. However, a 42% decline in eastern
quolls has been observed since the disease appeared. There are several possible explanations for this. Firstly, devil
decline may lead to a subtle spotted-tailed quoll increase, leading to increased food competition with eastern quolls.
The increase in cats and foxes due to reduced devil presence could also impact on the eastern quoll. Additionally, any
declines in rainfall may reduce availability of certain prey.
Plenary
Two questions were discussed in the plenary session.
Q. Is there any camera trapping data for quolls in Tasmania?
A. No.
Q. Should we be looking at establishing a population of eastern quolls on the mainland?
A. This was noted as worthy of further discussion regarding both captive and reintroduced populations.
John Woinarski, Northern Territory Dept of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts
Quolls and Toads
John discussed the impact of cane toads, noting that there is good evidence for high rates of mortality caused by cane
toads for many predators including goannas, snakes, crocodiles, turtles, quolls and small dasyurids.
Options to reduce the impact of cane toads on quolls include the NT Toad Buster project, the use of toad traps and
increased research on toads. However, the Toad-busting and trapping are likely to have only highly localised benefits;
and it may be many decades before research can lead to more effective means for reducing toad numbers or impacts.
The northern quoll recovery plan needs to be implemented. Key priorities for implementation include maintaining an
insurance captive breeding population and protecting the most inviolable populations, for example those on islands.
Quolls could also be translocated away from toads (as done with quoll populations translocated successfully to two
Northern Territory islands), and populations protected with exclosure fencing. John noted the importance of documenting,
understanding and bolstering quoll populations where they co-exist with toads (mostly in Queensland). It may also be
possible, eventually, that quolls could also be genetically modified and/or educated to reduce their vulnerability to cane
toads.
Plenary
One key question was discussed in the plenary session.
Q. What is happening on the refuge islands to create such a huge population boom?
A. The islands were carefully selected to make sure there would be no detrimental impact on other species inhabiting
these islands. Rugged areas act as refugia - with more food resources, less predation and fire, meaning populations are
more robust. In this case, the main factors involved in the extraordinary population increase of translocated quolls were
lack of predation and interspecific competition.
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Thomas Madsen, University of Wollongong
Quoll Genes
Thomas provided an impromptu presentation on quoll genes. He has examined the biochemistry of toad poison and
noted that quoll genetics show that quolls have no natural immunity to toad poison
Overview Plenary for Theme 2
Some key issues were identified and discussed further following the completion of Theme two. Key points discussed
included 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 with
predation that damages quoll populations. Fire resistant cover, such as rocks, help keep quolls safe from predators
The 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 important
to note that there is also a degree of uncertainty in some trials, and results in one location cannot be inferred across the
species’ range.
Bronze quoll © Steven Hamilton
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Theme 3: Conservation actions
Presentations in this theme explored possible conservation actions for quoll populations. The session focussed on
monitoring, community involvement and future actions. Open space discussions were also held during this theme, to
cover integrated research and management programs across all states, and how to coordinate and secure funds for
conservation actions across the range of species.
David Peacock, South Australian Dept of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation
Historical Quoll Accounts in South Australia
An impromptu presentation by David Peacock raised a number of issues regarding historical accounts in South Australia.
David discussed the trophic cascade that has occurred and suggested the possibility of re-introducing quolls to South
Australia to act as a bio-control for rabbits.
David has been investigating the possibility of reintroducing quolls into South Australia as natural biocontrols.
Reintroducing D. geoffroii to arid zone fox-baited reserves, where current low rabbit numbers (as few as <1km-2) are
preventing recruitment of plants such as mulga, Acacia aneura, is proposed as a potentially useful biocontrol option for
the rabbit. David outlined the ‘trophic cascade’ and ‘mesopredator suppression’ concepts and research that supported
his ideas on the likely benefits of returning quolls to these ecosystems. With the paucity of quoll knowledge in South
Australia, to support his proposal David has been sourcing historical accounts of quolls to gain a better understanding
of their former distribution, ecology and regional extinction. He presented some of his results, including accounts stating
hyperabundance (“plague”), in what were probably D. viverrinus, and also quoll decline/extirpation due to persecution,
likely secondary poisoning from poisoned rabbits, and two accounts stating their loss due to choking on rabbit fur (fur
balls). After detailing the early rabbit plagues and the likelihood that rabbit would have become the predominant part of
quoll diet, David outlined results of his discussions into the fur ball notion, providing examples of fur ball issues in other
mammals.
Plenary
The following plenary points and questions were raised in response to this discussion:
One participant noted that according to Heather Hesterman, fur balls are not appearing in the scats of quolls in Tasmania.
Therefore, are they really bothering to eat the harder parts of the carcass? Is it therefore unlikely that quolls died out in
South Australia due to fur ingestion?
Cecilia Myers from Dunkeld Pastoral Co. Pty Ltd stated that shot rabbits occasionally provided to their D. viverrinus are
completely consumed.
Scott Burnett said that Central Queensland records between the 1880s and 1890s demonstrate that there were plagues
of quolls.
Menna Jones explained that strychnine poisoning for rabbits between 1875 and the 1950s impacted on quoll numbers.
Q. What species of quoll should be introduced to South Australia?
A. In the arid zone it should be the western quoll and the eastern quoll for the Adelaide Hills
Jenny Nelson, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Victoria
Monitoring Populations that are Hard to Find
Jenny discussed the difficulties of detecting population trends, particularly when species are rare, have low population
densities and are wide ranging and cryptic. All of these factors contribute to low detectability, with detectability defined as
the probability of detecting the target species on a site, given that it is known to occupy the site. Presence-absence survey
data is widely used to monitor species with low detectability. Jenny emphasised that no particular survey methodology
can guarantee detecting the target species every time.
For broad-scale quoll surveys, Jenny has found that the best techniques are broadly applicable, quickly and easily
deployed and cost-effective.
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Jenny has compared the relative efficacy of remote cameras, cage traps and hair-tubes for collecting broad-scale survey
data for monitoring spotted-tailed quoll populations in Victoria. Remote cameras were the most cost-effective of the
three techniques and allow researchers to collect data concurrently on introduced carnivores. Cage traps have a similar
probability of detection to remote cameras. However, they are invasive and not cost-effective. Hair tubes provide a high
probability of detection (when a grid of 20 widely spaced tubes are used) but they are also not cost-effective.
Jenny emphasised that the use of appropriate field and analytical methods in assessing and monitoring populations
is critical. She suggested seeking biometric help. Assessing and monitoring populations requires careful planning and
implementation and an appropriate level of funding
Jenny also noted that community involvement requires significant support to work.
Plenary
The following points were raised in the plenary session:
Remote cameras cost approximately $500 each.
When surveying particular target areas, the data can only be used to make inferences about other similar areas and not
the broader landscape. If particular habitats are considered to be more important than others, it is best to stratify the
survey area based on habitat, and then sample randomly within each stratum.
Scott Burnett, University of the Sunshine Coast/Wildlife Preservation Society Queensland
Conserving Quolls – The Community Connection
Scott provided an overview of the definition and role of the community in conservation. He defined the community
to include landowners and managers, from both small and large agricultural holdings, non-government organisation
conservation groups and indigenous groups, as well as the wider community. There are a range of practical things that
the community can do to mitigate threats to quolls. The role of the community can include providing an information
source about quolls and their threats, volunteer effort (such as the Quoll Seekers Network), implementation of on-ground
conservation efforts by landowners and managers and managing captive populations.
In relation to threats, quoll populations are inherently sensitive to elevated mortality or decreased fecundity. Because they
are a top order predator and opportunistic scavenger with wide roaming capabilities, quoll behaviour often puts them in
dangerous situations in the human landscape. For example, quolls are known to attack domestic chickens, which is often
a source of conflict with people. A single chicken pen can be a sink for quolls from an area of 113 km2.
A number of actions were suggested to assist with protecting quoll populations, such as raising community awareness
of quolls and conservation actions for land-owners and developing the community’s capacity to act for quolls through
awareness raising, monitoring, advocacy, and practical quoll conservation. The importance of providing continuity of
support for community actions, through provision of moral and technical support and adequate funds was emphasised.
Additionally, the pros and cons of a captive industry could be explored further.
Plenary
The following issues were discussed following the presentation:
Community leadership attitudes can be a barrier to quoll conservation, for example where a local Mayor may be hostile
towards the issue.
We cannot underestimate the value of talking to school groups, which has a significant influence on their parents. The
public would also greatly benefit from the opportunity to physically interact with quolls.
In most situations the reserve estate is probably not large enough to fully support quoll populations, and therefore
adjacent private lands are critical to the future conservation of quolls.
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Rose Singadan, Papua New Guinea Department of Environment and Conservation
Conservation and New Guinea
Two key challenges to conservation in general in New Guinea are introduced species (such as rats) and the laws of the
people. There are three main legislative tools for conservation in New Guinea: the National Parks Act, Fauna Protection
Control Act and Wildlife Areas and Conservation Areas Act.
The main role of Non-government Organisations (NGOs) in New Guinea is that of an integrated community aid and
development group rather than acting for species conservation. NGOs can experience significant conflict if expectations
in the community are raised high and not fulfilled, for example in cases where financial gains are not forth coming as
promised. It is therefore essential that species action translates into something tangible for the community, such as jobs,
money or materials.
Key barriers to wildlife conservation in New Guinea include land tenure arrangements, as the sea and land belongs to
the people and not the government. As a result, it is difficult to manage the Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), as they
are controlled by the local people and not the government. Other barriers include politics (which are regularly changing),
social issues (particularly relating to logging, mining and poor communications), lack of resources and lack of capacity to
manage funds and inconsistency of conservation research in the region.
Spotted-tailed quoll © WWF/Frédy MERCAY
15
Theme 4: Barriers and solutions
Workshop participants were asked to identify the key themes and issues raised during the two day workshop, with the
aim of developing a set of recommendations and priorities to progress quoll conservation in future.
The following key themes and issues were identified:
1. Coordination / cooperation
2. Overarching strategic plan for quoll conservation
3. Monitoring techniques
4. Surveying
5. Predator interactions and baiting
6. Reintroductions
7. Protection of habitat
8. Eastern quoll - nomination for Federal listing
9. Fire impacts and research
10. Community involvement and awareness
11. Cane toads
12. Gene banking
13. Communication and establishment of an Australasian Quoll Network
The background discussion and context, key points and recommendations in relation to each of the above themes and
issues are summarized below.
1. Coordination / cooperation
Many participants identified the need for greater coordination of recovery efforts, both within and across species.
Action/Recommendation:
• Facilitate coordination between recovery teams
• Establishment of recovery teams where none in existence
2. Overarching Strategic Plan for Quoll Conservation
Related to the need for improved coordination, the development of an overarching quoll plan that covers all species was
proposed. This would be based on a business plan model in order to identify synergies and gaps between recovery plans
and to identify funding sources and opportunities.
Action/Recommendation:
• Develop an overarching business plan for quoll conservation following the finalisation of the individual species
recovery plans.
3. Monitoring Techniques
A lack of information on the distribution and current status of many quoll populations was identified as a major barrier to
effective recovery. A priority action identified by participants was the need for a standard monitoring protocol. This should
include standard information to be collected as well as issues related to disease.
Action/Recommendation:
• Identify effective methodology for each species
• Develop and promote the use of standard monitoring protocols for surveying for quolls and threats, across the range
of species over time
• Collect information and quantify all potential threats across the range of each species
• Establish a working group with representation across the different species to progress the development of
protocols.
16
4. Surveying
There is a need to implement a broad scale monitoring program utilising the standard monitoring techniques (developed
as per above) in order to gain better information on the distribution and abundance of quolls. Participants also recognised
the need to prioritise surveying for those populations that have the highest risk of extinction.
The following species and areas were identified as priorities for surveying:
• Spotted-tailed quolls in Victoria, central and Southern New South Wales, South of Mackay and Cape York in QLD
• Extant populations of northern quoll in Western Australia, particularly the Kimberley (with University of WA and
Department of Conservation)
• PNG and West Papua for bronze and New Guinea quolls (especially for basic ecology and taxonomy)
Action/Recommendation:
• Implement broad scale survey program using standard protocols
Nb. At the time of the workshop, the Department of Sustainability and Environment had funds for 40 cameras, 2 people
and 35 days for latrine searches in eastern Victoria, and State Government funds for western Victoria.
5. Predator Interactions and Baiting
Predator interactions and baiting was identified as a major conservation issue for quolls. The need for additional research
to clarify the predator relationships between dogs/foxes/cats and quolls was highlighted.
Because spotted-tailed quoll numbers are so drastically low in Victoria, field trials to study their response to poison baiting
could be highly detrimental to their survival, and this has been recognised as a key barrier to further research. In such
cases where quoll numbers are dangerously low, it may be more appropriate to adopt the precautionary principle and
avoid practices that could cause them to decline even more.
It has also been recognised by many that research on the response of quolls to 1080 baits carried out in NSW, where
quolls are more abundant, may not have relevance to Victoria, and should therefore not be automatically applied there.
In Tasmania, the threat of foxes to quolls, particularly the eastern quoll, is a considerable concern. Therefore fox eradication
in Tasmania was seen as a key priority for quoll conservation.
The need for best practice guidelines for feral animal control was highlighted as a priority, to reduce the risk of negative
impacts on quolls.
Action/Recommendation:
• Undertake/support research into clarifying understanding of predator interactions
• Define best practice feral animal control for quoll conservation
• Consider implementation of feral predator control programs consistent with best practice guidelines
• Establish a working group to progress understanding of predator interaction and baiting issues.
• Collate and review all 1080 baiting programs and their effect on quolls
6. Reintroductions
Participants identified opportunities for quoll reintroductions including:
• Eastern quoll to the mainland
• Western quoll to the arid zone
• Northern quoll across mainland Australia
It was noted that for consideration and support of any reintroductions, the following factors should first be met:
• National guidelines for reintroduction efforts
• Sound scientific support and adequate secure funding
• Ensuring that the initial causes of decline have been removed.
Actions/Recommendations:
• No specific action was identified
17
7. Protection of Habitat
Protection of existing quoll habitat both on private and public land was identified as a management priority. For private
land, the need to engage with landholders is critical to achieving habitat protection. For public land, issues regarding
appropriately sized and managed areas and connectivity were raised as important factors in reserve establishment.
Actions/Recommendations:
• Support and develop programs to provide incentives/stewardship payments to encourage habitat protection and
appropriate management on private land.
• Assess and learn from case studies in QLD and WA on landholder engagement
8. Eastern Quoll - Nomination for Federal Listing
The eligibility of eastern quolls for listing under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act)
was discussed.
Actions/Recommendations:
• Nominate listing of eastern quolls under state and federal legislation.
Responsibility:
• Department of Primary Industries and Water (Tasmania) to nominate eastern quolls for listing under the EPBC Act in
the first instance.
9. Fire Impacts and Research
The impact of fire on quoll populations is not clearly understood. There is a need to research and monitor the impact of
prescribed burns different fire regimes on quoll populations.
Actions/Recommendations:
• Support research and monitoring of the impact of fire on quoll populations.
10. Community Involvement and Awareness
Participants identified a lack of public awareness of quolls generally and negative perceptions of quolls as a barrier to
quoll conservation. As identified above, participants also recognised the need to engage with private landholders to
support quoll conservation on private land. The need to raise awareness and the public perception of quolls was identified
as important to supporting quoll conservation. Opportunities for raising awareness that were identified included the use
of photos and footage, grants funding and the media to assist in engaging private landholders.
Actions/Recommendations:
• Improve the public perception of quolls and support community and landholder engagement in quoll conservation.
11. Cane Toads
Cane toads were identified as the major threat to the northern quoll as well as being an issue for the northern subspecies
of spotted-tailed quoll and potentially bronze quoll in New Guinea. Key points raised in relation to this issue included:
• The use of sanctuary islands to address cane toad impacts
• Building and protection of populations at locations safe from cane toads (such as islands in the Northern Territory),
• The use of persistent northern quoll populations to re-populate critical areas
• On-going protection of populations that have survived in the presence of cane toads
• Research into why some populations are able to persist in the presence of cane toads.
• Translocation of northern quolls (lower priority)
Actions/Recommendations:
• Ongoing support for identifying or establishing and protecting island populations
• Support research into why some populations are able to persist in the presence of cane toads and protection of these
populations
18
12. Gene Banking
Gene banking was identified as an opportunity to protect quoll genetics, with support for investigating this option further.
Action/Recommendation:
• No specific action required
13. Communication and Establishment of an Australasian Quoll Network
Development and leadership of an Australasian Quoll Network was an important recommendation from the workshop. This
is particularly important given that there are no active recovery teams for quolls and considering their broad geographic
distribution across Australia and New Guinea. The group suggested that the Threatened Species Network should take
the lead for building such a network. The network would facilitate sharing of information and communications, and
coordination between regional recovery groups. Development of the network was considered an important priority to
maintain momentum and timelines for quoll conservation, encourage further community involvement and improve the
national promotion and public perception of quolls via the media.
Facilitating communication was a common theme identified by many participants, and identified as one that would be
best managed via the Australasian Quoll Network. Participants identified that there is a great need to share information
between quoll researchers, managers and stakeholders within and across species regarding the projects and research
currently underway, and lessons learned from projects.
The establishment of an Australasian Quoll Network links to a number of the other recommendations made during the
workshop. Participants identified that a number of priority activities identified, such as the development of a business plan
for quolls, could be facilitated through the new network.
There was strong support for building on the communication started at the workshop by establishing a repository database
of current projects and actions, and to hold a follow-up workshop in 3-5 years time.
Action/Recommendation:
• Establish an Australasian Quoll Network to facilitate communication, including the following outputs:
• An Australasian quoll plan
• A quoll communication network
• Identification of key regions and ecosystems
• Recognition of key threats (particularly introduced predators, cane toads and habitat loss/modification) across
species
• Identification of key actions, including survey and monitoring, habitat management, translocation, predator control
and review of the NSW fox Threat Abatement Plan,
• Investigation of ways to overcome legislative barriers
Responsibility:
• TSN to take the lead on establishing the network.
19
Summary of actions and
recommendations
In the final workshop exercise the group discussed ways to overcome barriers identified in theme 4 and suggested ways of
progressing recommendations and solutions generated in the previous session.
The table below summarises some of the methods, timeframes and key drivers identified by participants.
WHAT
WHO
WHEN
HOW
1. Coordination
Facilitate coordination of
recovery efforts, both within
and across species.
Unspecified
Unspecified
Through the Australasian
Quoll Network
Working group
Following finalisation of
the individual species
recovery plans currently in
development.
Working group with
representatives from each
species. Coordinated
through the Australasian
Quoll Network
High Priority
Identify effective methodology
for each species (collect
information on all potential
threats across the range of
each species)
Establish a working group to
progress development and
promote use.
2. Overarching strategic
plan for Quoll conservation
Develop an overarching
business plan for quoll
conservation.
3. Monitoring Techniques:
Develop and promote the
use of standard monitoring
protocols for surveying for
quolls.
4. Surveying:
Implement broad scale
monitoring program using
standard protocols.
5. Predator interactions &
baiting
• Undertake/support
research into clarifying
understanding of
predator interactions
• Define best practice feral
animal control for quoll
conservation
• Consider implementation
of feral predator control
programs consistent with
best practice guidelines.
20
Working group with
representation across the
different species to progress
protocols
State agencies
Community groups
Traditional Owners
Independent researchers
University of WA
Department of Conservation
WA
High Priority
Department of Conservation
(WA)
Department of Sustainability
& Environment (VIC)
Department of Primary
Industries (NSW)
University of Sydney
Department of Environment &
Climate Change (NSW)
Arid Recovery
Department of Primary
Industries (Tas)
High Priority
University of WA and
Department of Conservation
to work together in WA
Victorian DSE to coordinate
in Victoria
Establish a working group
6. Reintroductions:
No specific action was
recommended, however
participants identified
opportunities for quoll
reintroductions including:
• Eastern quoll to the
mainland
• Western quoll to the arid
zone
• Northern quoll across
mainland Australia
Private business &
Department of Sustainability
and Environment (VIC)
Department for the
Environment and Heritage
(SA)
Department of Conservation
(WA)
Environment Protection
Authority (EPA) (QLD)
Natural Resources,
Environment & the Arts (NT)
7. Protection of Habitat:
Support and develop
programs to provide
incentives/stewardship
payments to encourage
habitat protection on
private land.
Assess and learn from
case studies in QLD
and WA on landholder
engagement
Not specified
Before support of any
reintroduction, there would be
the need for:
National guidelines for
reintroduction efforts
Sound scientific support
and funding
Ensuring that the initial
causes of decline have
been removed.
QLD EPA (Mackay)
Federal Government
State governments
WWF-Australia
Other NGOs (Wild Country,
Bush Heritage Australia, The
Nature Conservancy)
Councils
Natural Resource
Management Committees
Ongoing
Incentives for landholders
Look at case studies in QLD
& WA
Education
Stewardship payments
8. Eastern quoll nomination for Federal
listing:
Nominate listing of eastern
quolls under Environment
Protection & Biodiversity
Conservation Act
Department of Primary
Industries and Water
(Tasmania)
Immediately
Clare Hawkins to coordinate
9. Fire:
Support research and
monitor the impact of fire
on quoll populations
Queensland EPA
Natural Resources,
Environment & the Arts (NT)
Indigenous Land Councils
Unspecified
Knowledge sharing
Not specified – pursue
through Australasian Quoll
Network
10. Community involvement
and awareness:
Improve the public
perception of quolls and
support community and
landholder engagement in
quoll conservation.
State agencies
Australasian Quoll Network
WWF-Australia
TSN
Regional networks
Quoll Seekers Network
Medium Priority
A key action to pursue
through Australasian Quoll
Network
Quoll Seekers Network
High Priority
The use of sanctuary
islands to address cane
toad impacts
Building of insurance”
populations at locations
safe from cane toads
(such as islands in the
Northern Territory),
Translocation of northern
quolls
The use of persistent
populations to re-populate
critical areas
Research into why some
populations are able to
persist in the presence of
cane toads.
11. Cane Toads:
Ongoing support for
establishing island
“insurance” populations
Support research into why
some populations are
able to persistence in the
presence of cane toads
Natural Resources,
Environment & the Arts (NT)
Queensland EPA
Department of Conservation
(WA)
WWF-PNG
21
12. Gene banking
Investigate potential of
protecting quoll genes further
13. Communication &
Australasian Quoll Network
Establish an Australasian
Quoll Network to facilitate
communication and action
Hold follow up workshop
in 3-5 years
Not specified
TSN to take the lead,
supported by workshop
participants
Not specified
Not specified
High priority
Follow-up workshop to be
held 2011-2013
TSN to investigate
options and develop
mechanism for supporting
communication
Develop the following
outputs:
- An Australasian quoll plan
- Communication network
- Identification of key regions/
ecosystems
- Identification of key threats
- Identification of key actions
- Investigation of ways to
overcome legislative barriers
Workshop summary
The 2008 WWF-Australia Quoll Workshop was a successful first step towards achieving coordinated action and recognition
of key priorities for quoll conservation in Australasia.
A number of common issues and priorities were identified (objective 1). There was general consensus that better
communication and coordination was needed across species; that public perception of quolls needs to be improved and
community engagement supported. The absence of recovery teams and endorsed recovery plans was noted. Habitat
loss, fire, cane toads and predator interactions were common threats to multiple quoll species.
Participants agreed on the need to share new research and lessons learned (objective 2). Participants generally
appreciated the opportunity to get together, network and to exchange new research (objective 3). An Australasian Quoll
Network was identified as an appropriate space to record and build knowledge, and facilitate the sharing of new research
and lessons learnt. Improved communication and cooperation will build the capacity of community stakeholders and land
and conservation managers to undertake knowledge-based management for the conservation and recovery of all quoll
species.
The workshop clearly identified a number of key actions to progress quoll conservation (objective4). These included for
example;
 Development of an overarching business plan for quoll conservation.
 Formation of a working group to develop and promote the use of standard monitoring protocols for surveying.
 Formation of a working group to support research into predator interactions.
 Implementation of a broad scale monitoring program using standard protocols.
 Reduce the cane toad threat by establishment of insurance quoll populations, identification and protection of refugia,
and support for research into persistence of quolls in the presence of toads
 Creation an Australasian Quoll Network to facilitate communication and action.
Effectively achieving these aims into the long term requires further investment of time and resources. Establishing
methods and networks to meet these aims were identified as priority actions.
Overall, this workshop was a great success in bringing together colleagues from across Australia and PNG to share
information and better coordinate quoll conservation. The ongoing efforts of attendees and their organisations are now
required to ensure that the workshop outcomes are implemented in an effective and timely manner. The Threatened
Species Network will continue to play an active roll to support this outcome.
22
List of participants
NAME
STATE
Al Glen
WA
Amanda Griffith
NSW
Andrew Murray
VIC
Andrew Govanstone
VIC
Brydie Hill
NT
Brooke Rankmore
NT
Clare Hawkins
TAS
Cecilia Myers
VIC
POSITION/EXPERTISE
Research Scientist Department of Environment
& Conservation and Invasive
Animals CRC
Ecologist - ERM
Operations Manager
– Southern Ark Project Department of Sustainability
& Environment
Senior Biodiversity Officer –
Department of Sustainability
& the Environment
TSN Regional Manager –
North, WWF-Australia
(at the time of the workshop,
Brydie was Wildlife Scientist
– Natural Resources,
Environment & the Arts)
Conservation Manager Tipperary Group of Stations
Wildlife Biologist - Dept.
Primary Industries & Water
Dunkeld Pastoral Co. Pty Ltd
Debbie Andrew
NSW
Researcher
David Peacock
SA
Gerhard Koertner
NSW
Glenn Kvassay
EMAIL
PHONE
[email protected]
(08) 9538 0027
[email protected]
(02) 8584 8873
[email protected].
au
(03) 51611302
[email protected].
gov.au
(03) 552 23440
[email protected]
(08) 8941 7554
conservation@
tipperarygroup.com.au
08 8978 2433
[email protected]
(03) 6233 2801
[email protected]
Debbie.andrew@
environment.nsw.gov.au
0438191021
QLD
Research Officer – Dept. of
Water, Land & Biodiversity
Conservation
Post Doctorate – University of
New England
Researcher
Heather Hesterman
TAS
University of Tasmania
[email protected]
Jerry Alexander
VIC
Jacqui Coughlan
NSW
James Dawson
NSW
Jenny Nelson
VIC
John Woinarski
NT
Karen Firestone
NSW
Senior Biodiversity Planning
Officer – Department of
Sustainability & Environment
Principal Ecologist - ERM
Senior Threatened Species
Officer – Department of
Environment & Climate
Change
Senior Scientist - Arthur Rylah
Institute for Environmental
Research
Principle Scientist – Natural
Resources, Environment &
the Arts
Conservation Biologist
- Taronga Conservation
Society Australia
(02) 9585 6915
peacock.david@saugov.
sa.gov.au
(08) 8303 9504
[email protected]
(02) 6773 2262
[email protected]
0417729509
(07) 5499270
[email protected].
au
0427 352837
[email protected]
(02) 8584 8862
james.dawson@environment.
nsw.gov.au
(02) 9585 6674
[email protected]
(03) 94508738
[email protected]
(08) 8995 5001
[email protected]
0400141551
23
Kat Miller
ACT
Keith Morris
WA
Kendall Benton
NSW
Mina Bassarova
NSW
Mike Gregory
QLD
Menna Jones
TAS
Meri Oakwood
NSW
Natalie Holland
VIC
Peter Cremasco
QLD
Peter Foster
NSW
Phillip Palmer
NT
Rebecca Richardson
QLD
Rose Singadan
PNG
Scott Burnett
QLD
Steven Hamilton
NSW
Samantha Vine
NSW
Tasha Czarny
NSW
Thomas Madsen
NSW
Tammie Matson
Todd Soderquist
NSW
Vanessa Place
Federal
24
Program Manager –
Threatened Species, WWFAustralia
Fauna Conservation Program
Leader – Department of
Conservation
Quoll Workshop Coordinator
– WWF-Australia
TSN Coordinator – Eastern
Temperate Forests, WWFAustralia
Program Coordinator SEQ
Rainforest Recovery – WWFAustralia
Research Fellow, School
of Zoology, University of
Tasmania
Researcher – Envirotek
TSN Coordinator – WWFAustralia
Zoologist – Biosecurity QLD
Researcher – “Bliss”
Environment Centre
Kimberley Land Council
Senior Conservation Officer –
Nature Refuges Branch, QLD
EPA
(at the time of the workshop
Bec was TSN Coordinator –
Queensland, WWF-Australia)
Manageress – Department of
Conservation
Lecturer – University of the
Sunshine Coast
PhD Student – University of
New South Wales
TSN Regional Manager –
East, WWF-Australia
PhD Student – University of
Newcastle
Professor – University of
Wollongong
(At the time of the workshop,
Tammie was Program Leader
(Species) - WWF-Australia)
Senior Threatened Species
Officer – Department of
Environment and Climate
Change
Species Information Officer –
Department of Environment,
Water, Heritage and the Arts
[email protected]
(02) 6120 0105
[email protected]
(08) 9405 5159
[email protected]
(02) 9281 5515
[email protected]
(02) 8202 1221
[email protected]
(07) 5482 4734
[email protected].
au
0407 815606
[email protected]
(02) 6653 8843
[email protected]
(03) 9669 1300
[email protected].
gov.au
[email protected]
(07) 4688 1309
0415 673 210
[email protected].
gov.au
(07) 3224 8860
[email protected]
(675) 3250195
[email protected]
(07) 5459 4812
[email protected].
edu.au
(02) 9385 8276
[email protected]
(02) 8202 1222
Natasha.czarny@
studentmail.newcastle.edu.au
0413 024 579
[email protected]
(02) 4221 3443
todd.soderquist@
environment.nsw.gov.au
(02) 6773 7006
vanessa.place@environment.
gov.au
(02) 6275 9234
Veronica Ritchie
(At the time of the workshop,
Veronica was A/ Director
(Recovery Planning
& Implementation) –
Department of Environment,
Water, Heritage and the Arts)
25