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Quolls |
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In many ways, these are Australia's forgotten marsupials. The order is
dominated by one family which contains some 50 species of these
generally predatory marsupials. This is the biggest family of
marsupials, yet they are little known by the general public.
This is probably the result of the fact that, unlike kangaroos and possums, the dasyurids are very rarely seen, for on the whole they are small, fast and generally nocturnal in habit. Being predators, they are also at the top of the food pyramid, and naturally less abundant. Most dasyurids prey on insects and other invertebrates. However, they are well known amongst biologists for their tenacious nature and it is not uncommon for them to tackle prey larger than themselves, such as small birds and other mammals. The bigger dasyurids will catch larger birds and feed on carcasses. Many of the smaller dasyurids have the cute appearance of small rodents, and were often thus described as 'marsupial mice'; they are now known under various genus names, such as Antechinus. Others vaguely recalled pole-cats, and were thus named 'native 'cats'; these are now known as 'Quolls'. Most people are only really aware of the two biggest species of dasyurid type marsupials, the 'Tasmanian Devil', and the now extinct 'Tasmanian Wolf', more properly known today as the 'Thylacine'.  Quoll |
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Study Tours
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This trip has been designed for more general interest and younger student groups. It visits a range of iconic regions, from the Great Barrier Reef, to the rainforests and rivers of the Daintree, to the caves and bush of the outback, and to the mountains, lakes and waterfalls of the Atherton Tablelands. We conduct a range of activities within the trip including hikes, ‘bushwalks', boat cruises, snorkeling to wildlife viewing and night-spotlighting. We see tropical rainforest, coal reefs, kangaroos, shops and beaches. With sufficient lead time, the trip can have it's focus and design changed to suit the…
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