Every trip I take, I seem to discover a new favorite animal. On this trip, that animal was the eastern quoll. These nocturnal, carnivorous marsupials are about the size of a small domestic cat. They come in two color varieties, both a light brown (referred to as fawn) and a near black, like this guy. Siblings can exhibit either color, with fawn being three times more common. Eastern quolls have been considered extinct on mainland Australia since 1963, but they continue to thrive throughout most of Tasmania, most likely due to the lack of foxes or dingoes. There are, however, three other species of quoll that live in Australia and another two that live in Papua New Guinea. On Tasmania there are two, including the spotted tail quoll, which I was also lucky enough to photograph. Quolls closest relative (and enemy) is the Tasmanian devil. The above eastern quoll was photographed in the wilds of north eastern Tasmania. Nikon D810 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 290mm) ISO 500, f/6.3 at 1/200th of a second, Nikon SB-900 flash
Those spots are unreal. It looks as though it is wearing a costume. How does its coloration become its camo? In this one image its coloration seems to make it more of a target for a Tasmanian Devil. Fascinating creature, Sean.
Hi Sue,
The quoll doesn’t really have effective camo, although the lighter colored one blends in nicely with the tall, dried grass. I’ll have to post one of those guys soon. The devils don’t actively hunt the quolls, but will compete for the same food sources. And a devil will grab an injured defenseless quoll if it gets the chance. And most certainly, will eat a dead quoll.
I thought it looked like a Tasmanian Devil and you confirmed it. Very interesting creature with its polka dot coat. Again I will have to do some research to learn more, e.g., wherever does the strange name come from?
Ah! How did I miss this little guy!!! He is AWESOME!!!!!! Never heard of a Quoll before and there aren’t a whole lot of cool looking spotty little animals out there, thanks for this one!! Too fun!
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Every trip I take, I seem to discover a new favorite animal. On this trip, that animal was the eastern quoll. These nocturnal, carnivorous marsupials are about the size of a small domestic cat. They come in two color varieties, both a light brown (referred to as fawn) and a near black, like this guy. Siblings can exhibit either color, with fawn being three times more common. Eastern quolls have been considered extinct on mainland Australia since 1963, but they continue to thrive throughout most of Tasmania, most likely due to the lack of foxes or dingoes. There are, however, three other species of quoll that live in Australia and another two that live in Papua New Guinea. On Tasmania there are two, including the spotted tail quoll, which I was also lucky enough to photograph. Quolls closest relative (and enemy) is the Tasmanian devil. The above eastern quoll was photographed in the wilds of north eastern Tasmania.
Those spots are unreal. It looks as though it is wearing a costume. How does its coloration become its camo? In this one image its coloration seems to make it more of a target for a Tasmanian Devil. Fascinating creature, Sean.
Hi Sue,
The quoll doesn’t really have effective camo, although the lighter colored one blends in nicely with the tall, dried grass. I’ll have to post one of those guys soon. The devils don’t actively hunt the quolls, but will compete for the same food sources. And a devil will grab an injured defenseless quoll if it gets the chance. And most certainly, will eat a dead quoll.
I thought it looked like a Tasmanian Devil and you confirmed it. Very interesting creature with its polka dot coat. Again I will have to do some research to learn more, e.g., wherever does the strange name come from?
I love my frogs but this might be my new favorite animal!!
—– Eager performer
—– Poised for Tasmanias
—– Commedia dell’arte .
soft as…*
great pic.(keepup the good work. ) take break and have goodthanks giving week -end ) .
Ah! How did I miss this little guy!!! He is AWESOME!!!!!! Never heard of a Quoll before and there aren’t a whole lot of cool looking spotty little animals out there, thanks for this one!! Too fun!