Cane toads force Quolls into island exile

They're small, they're furry, they have sharp teeth and they know how to use them. They've also been identified as one of the native animals most at risk from the relentless spread of cane toads throughout the Top End.

It is hoped that the quolls will be able to establish viable breeding populations safe from cane toads so that when - or if - an effective cane toad control program is eventually developed, they will be able to be re-introduced to the mainland.

According to John Woinarski from DIPE's Biodiversity Unit, quolls are particularly at risk from cane toads because of their life cycles. Male quolls live for just one year, dying immediately after mating.

Combine this short lifestyle with evidence that quolls succumb almost instantly to the cane toad's poison and you have the potential for a very quick extinction of quolls from areas invaded by cane toads.

There is strong and consistent . . . evidence from Queensland that quolls disappear within a few months of the arrival of cane toads.

As from late last year, we have strong scientific evidence of complete loss of quolls in parts of Kakadu where cane toads have invaded..

Dr John Woinarski

NLC CFCU consulted widely with traditional owners both in areas where quolls were captured and also on the islands where they have been released, ensuring that Aboriginal people would be involved in all stages of the project.

The first release of quolls took place on 1 March on Pobasso Island, followed by releases on Astell Island.

Yolngu rangers and scientists will continue to monitor the quolls after their release, with radio collars fitted to at least 10 quolls per island allowing them to be accurately tracked. Some trapping will also be done to see what effect the quolls might have on other animals living on the islands.

Dhirritjini Yumbulul, a senior traditional owner of the islands where quolls were released, said he was

happy to look after the baraguma until they can find a way of getting rid of the cane toads. The thought of Parks and Wildlife having to transfer these endangered animals to the islands to protect them is a powerful thought, otherwise they could be killed by cane toads.

Dhirritjini Yumbulul, Senior Traditional Owner

Support for the quoll release program has also been provided by the Tropical Savannas Cooperative Research Centre, Parks Australia North, The Threatened Species Network, the Teritory Wildlife Park and Arafura Pearl Holdings.