The forests of East Gippsland are one of the last strongholds of the quoll, which is an apex predator. The aim of this project is to conduct genetic assessments wild STQs in the region; information that will inform the development of a captive management document and translocation strategy – two fundamental steps required to repopulate Gippsland with quolls.

Wildlife Unlimited will deliver the project under the leadership of ecologists Willow Bourke and Rachael Barlett. The work, which has commenced with camera testing, will also build on WUL’s experience conducting Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby surveys in the region.

A cornerstone of the project is its collaborative approach, creating cross-sector, multi-agency and First Nations partnerships to enable an effective project and foster ongoing relationships for future conservation efforts. Other partners include Odonata, private landowners in the upper Snowy Region, the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and Parks Victoria. Read more here.