Eastern quolls have n’t been get wind on the Australian mainland for over half a century . However , thanks to a project that startle this week , these polka dot marsupials could be making a counter .
On March 1 , researcher unloose 14 easterly quolls into Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary , Canberra as part of a AUS $ 1.8 million ( US $ 1,297,800 ) authorities project with the Australian National University , the James Cook University , and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation .
Although the coinage has continued to dwell happily on the island of Tasmania , they have not been seen in the wild on the mainland for more than 50 eld . Once abundant in Dixieland - eastern Australia , eastern quolls(Dasyurus viverrinus ) are skittish carnivores that grow to around 35 centimeters ( 13 inches ) .
The introduced easterly quolls were transfer from Tasmania in the outer space of one day . Over the next two twelvemonth , the researchers will monitor the quolls using radio set - tracking taking into custody with the aim of bring out an extra 64 someone : half will be enslavement - bred in Victoria , and the other one-half from the state of nature in Tasmania .
The reason for the eastern quoll ’s decline is undecipherable , harmonize to theIUCN Red List . However , it has been speculated that an increase in roads and introduced marauder , such as feral cats and red foxes , could be a factor .
“ The easterly quoll was once widespread across south - eastern Australia but became victim to clearing , grazing , introduced predatory animal and control programme , ” Simon Corbell , the deputy chief minister of the Australian Capital Territory , differentiate City News .
He added , “ Despite being shy and nocturnal the introduction of this small carnivore could ultimately avail with rabbit population control . Because of their role in aid to order prey species , quolls and other predator are disproportionately important in the functioning of ecosystem , so this is an important milestone in the sanctuary ’s ongoing restoration . ”
[ H / T : The Guardian ]
