SHANGRALA'S
SPOTTED-TAILED
QUOLL!
The Spotted-tailed Quoll is found in mainland Tasmania, in south-eastern
mainland Australia, and in Queensland. Despite having spots and not stripes,
the spotted-tailed quoll is also called the tiger quoll. It's about the size
of a domestic cat, but has shorter legs and a more pointed face than a cat.
The spotted tail distinguishes it from all other Australian mammals, including
other quoll species.
They boast one of the strongest bites of any predatory mammal in the world. In fact, they come in second, beaten only by a close relative, Australia's Tasmanian devil. When threatened or confronting another quoll, the spotted-tailed quoll may let out an ear-piercing screech that has been compared to the sound of a circular saw. They also make other vocalisations including a low hiss and a soft clicking. Spotted-Tail Quoll is currently classified as 'Vulnerable'. While there used to be more, due to landclearing and a growing population, among other things, the spotted-tailed quoll is now the largest remaining carnivorous marsupial on the Australian mainland. |