Situational context

The Spot-tailed Quoll is a culturally significant carnivorous marsupial with a historically wide distribution across Victoria. However, the population has declined dramatically over the past 30 years and monitoring suggests numbers continue to decline.

Objective

The aim of this project is to identify pathways for Spot-tailed Quoll recovery in East Gippsland, the remaining stronghold of the species. Genetic assessment of captive and wild Spot-tailed Quolls will inform the development of a captive management document and translocation strategy – two fundamental steps required to repopulate Gippsland with quolls.

A cornerstone of this project is our collaborative approach, creating cross-sector, multi-agency and First Nations partnerships to enable an effective project and foster ongoing relationships for future conservation efforts.

Increased species recognition and support will result from community and landholder engagement, while confirmation of shared priorities will provide certainty and foster long-term funding opportunities.

Funding rationale and ongoing involvement

On top of supporting the development of the program, Rendere’s catalytic funding will see the sustained legacy of the initiative in the implementation of the management plan complemented by the community capacity built over the next three years.

Rendere’s support will also pave the way for other philanthropists and businesses to invest.

Photo with thanks to Pierre Pouliquin.