DoctorDavid Hamilton

Project Total: $10,000; Background The eastern quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus) was once present throughout south-eastern Australia, but today occurs only in predator-proof sanctuaries and the island of Tasmania. Even within Tasmania, however, the species has undergone significant declines, with a 60% reduction in detections between population peaks in the 1990s and 2020 (Cunningham et al. 2022; Fancourt et al. 2013). The proposal is part of a larger, ongoing research project which aims to investigate the drivers behind eastern quoll declines in central and eastern Tasmania. The research involves replicated translocations of captive-bred eastern quolls across sites with contrasting characteristics. By monitoring the survival, condition and movements of translocated quolls at each site we can start to understand which factors are most important in determining the persistence and recovery of eastern quoll populations in these regions. A key aspect of this research is investigating the diet of translocated and resident wild quolls at each site, and comparing this to prey availability at each site. The availability of preferred invertebrate prey, particularly in key periods of energetic demand, has been suggested as a possible mechanism behind eastern quoll population declines (Fancourt et al. 2018). However, evidence is limited to correlations between quoll diet and abundance at only a few sites, and regional differences in patterns of decline and recovery in suggest multiple factors are likely to have contributed both to the initial declines and lack or otherwise of recovery (Cunningham et al. 2022). This project The project funding will be used for analyses of eastern quoll diet, in support of ongoing research into the conservation of Tasmanian eastern quolls. Quoll diet will be analysed across multiple translocation sites in central and eastern Tasmania where declines have been most severe, to: Determine whether availability of preferred prey is a limiting factor in eastern quoll population persistence, as suggested by previous researchDescribe differences in diet between wild and translocated captive-bred eastern quolls, as well as changes in diet with time since translocation, to determine how quickly translocated quolls are able to develop hunting skills and adapt to local conditions. This will support research into the feasibility of targeted translocations as a management technique for recovering and re-establishing populations. Analyses will include stable isotope analysis of whisker samples as well as environmental DNA (eDNA) analyses and manual hard parts analysis of scat samples collected during translocation fieldwork and ongoing monitoring. Funded by: Harris Estate Charitable Foundation ($10,000); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $8,500; The project aims to use experimental translocations of the eastern quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus) to the East Coast and Midlands regions of Tasmania to establish evidence-based translocation protocol and identifying of drivers of decline. The project will focus on the impact of individual characteristics, release methods and genetic management on dispersal, survival, and breeding success. This will contribute to the creation of a decision-making framework to inform future translocations of threatened marsupials in Australia. Funded by: Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment - Grant ($25,500); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $8,500; Eastern quolls (Dasyurus viverrinus) are an endangered carnivorious marsupial once common throughout southeastern Australia now restricted to Tasmania. Quolls have been declining in Tasmania since the early 2000s. Understanding and reversing factors contributing to decline is essential to protect quolls in their last wild stronghold. During my PhD, I will be conducting a series of replicated translocations to gather empirical evidence as to what factors limit the distribution of the eastern quoll in Tasmania and inform management efforts aimed at the species recovery. This year (summer 2024-25), we will be conducting the first two translocations in parellel at properties in the Tasmanian Midlands. This translocation will test many factors such as the impacts of habitat, prey availability, and age of translocated indiviudals. Specifically, I will be considering how adult and juvenile quolls and wild and captive-bred individuals use the habitat differently. Funded by: Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment - Grant ($8,500); University of Tasmania.

Project Total: $19,200; This project wilt investigate contact networks and behaviours associated with infection risk in wild Tasmanian devils, and how these translate to bltin inuries and transmission d namics of Devil Facial Tumour Disease DFTD Funded by: Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment - Grant ($19,200); University of Tasmania.