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Quoll Seekers Network

As a result of a steadily increasing list of interested people, an initial information and planning sessionas organised in October 2001 at Redlands Indigiscapes Centre to present the current available information on the status and ecology of quolls in SEQ.  This session also aimed to facilitate the formation of the Quoll Seekers Network, recruit a volunteer coordinator and establish the aims and key roles for the group.

More than 40 people attended this first session and despite the generally bleak news concerning the current information available, the dramatic decline in sightings and the extremely low likelihood of getting to lay eyes on an animal, a roomful of hands were thrust forward to support the notion of establishing the group. 

The Quoll Seekers Network was officially formed in December 2001, when 25 enthusiastic Dasyuridophiles met at the Numinbah Valley Environmental Education Centre to discuss the issues surrounding the fate of the Tiger (Spotted-tailed) quoll in SEQ. The group boasts members from all walks of life including students, scientists, conservationists, photographers, rangers, ordinary members of the public who have a love of natural sciences and many others. These two (extremely hot) days were used to discuss various aspects of the group as well as listen to several guest speakers on a number of relevant topics. The days were ended off with a very well appreciated swim in one of the local waterholes and a visit to the Natural Arch to see the glow worms and the abundant green tree frogs.

Goomburra Field Weekend, March 2002

March 2002 saw nearly 50 people descend on Goomburra State Forest near Allora for a weekend of survey techniques training.  During the early 1990’s, the campground at Goomburra was a well-known spot for encountering quolls, often exploring the campground in search of any food scraps.  As for many other sites, these sightings have decreased dramatically in the ensuing period and the QSN is particularly interested to establish if they still occur in the area.

QSN members participated in training in cage trapping, hair funnel sampling and spotlighting techniques.  Elliot traps were also deployed and trapping results showed that despite no quoll sightings over the weekend, an extremely healthy population and diversity of potential quoll prey is present on site.

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LL: Volunteers check one of the small mammal traps
UL: Deep and meaningful during the middle of the day
UR: Volunteer lays out a hair funnel trap on a slope at Goomburra
LR: Setting a quoll trap (unfortunately we found no quolls)
All photos courtesy of Anneliese Simke

Once again, the dedication and energy displayed by such a large and consistent group of people towards the efforts of QSN demonstrated the potential of the group in achieving positive outcomes for quoll conservation in Queensland (and went someway towards ameliorating some members disappointment at still not laying eyes on one!)

Partnership Development

The development of cooperative efforts with relevant organisations and individuals is integral to the success of community based conservation efforts.

The support of TSN (Qld) and QPWS in allocation of staff time to QSN projects has been instrumental in the facilitation and operation of the network.  The QSN has also established relationships with a number of key organisations including Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland, University of Queensland Gatton College, Redlands IndigiScapes and Gold Coast City Council. 

These partnerships take many forms and include recognition and support for QSN actions and initiatives, technical and resource support and assistance with promotion of QSN events and issues.

QSN has been able to offer in return access to recent relevant research, technical advice and provision of survey equipment.  It is envisaged that as the resource base of the network develops and further field studies are carried out, the opportunity for cooperative efforts will exponentially increase.

Major Achievements

In addition to planning and field activities undertaken and the cumulative benefits of information sharing through raised community awareness, the following points highlight some of the significant achievements of the network thus far:

o       Two editions of the QSN Newsletter have been produced by network volunteers, which have provided a great opportunity to share accomplishments and promote the activities of the group in the community. At July 2002, the QSN has a mailing list of 150.

o       Network volunteers have also developed a high quality website that includes information about quolls and their plight, the QSN and how to get involved, QSN newsletters, photo gallery and links to other relevant sites.  The QSN is currently working towards an official launch of the website in Threatened Species Week 2002.

o       The establishment and promotion of the network has already resulted in an additional 12 reliable sightings of quolls in SEQ.

o       The network has already attracted significant media interest including several interviews on ABC radio, feature articles on Totally Wild and in the Winter 2002 edition of Wildlife Australia.  The QSN has also been featured in the national TSN newsletter, The Web and several editions of the QPWS newsletter, Wild Times.

o       Wildlife artist, Michelle Evans has donated the use of several of her works for QSN publications and will promote the QSN as part of an exhibition planned for Threatened Species Week 2002.

o       QSN volunteer Coordinator, Rob Callaghan has established an email list to facilitate discussion amongst members and as an additional opportunity to share accomplishments and ideas.

o       The QSN has also established a relationship with a quoll captive breeding program in SEQ, facilitating access to quality images for use in publications.

Planned Projects

The QSN has only positive action ahead of it given the considerable level of achievement during the formative stages.   Some of the projects currently in development include:

o       Education Kits (including a poster together with information and activity booklets for a range of education levels);

o       Fact Sheet series with specialist compilations for landholders, land managers etc;

o       Negotiation for sponsorship;

o       Establishment of quoll proof chook house program including grants for materials (following the establishment of a similar program on the Atherton Tableland);

o       Establishment of committees to undertake activities relating to fundraising, publicity and field work; and

More dedicated, ongoing field work in conjunction with University of Queensland Gatton College, local government and private landholders.

Our activities to date have included fauna surveys at both Numinbah Valley and Goomburra. We plan to attempt surveys at least three times per year and anyone is welcome to attend. Details will be published on this site as they come to hand.

Ultimately, the group will be working on a resource kit, a web page, brochures, posters, newsletters and educational packages for schools. Hopefully many others will share the dedication and the motivation of the group, which will lead to the survival of these amazing animals.If you are interested in joining QSN please contact us or return to this site periodically to see what event are coming up.

Our Aims

Aim

Actions

1.      To raise community awareness of quolls existence, status & relevant threatening processes, as well as community members potential for practical contribution to conservation of the species through;

o        production and distribution of information brochure;

o        publicity opportunities for both the quoll and the network

o        regular production of a network newsletter.

2.      To gather data on recent sightings to facilitate better management through;

o        dedicated field work in known or reported sites; and

o        encouraging landholders to report sightings to network.

3.      Provide training and support for volunteers who may:

 

o        become involved in field work to ascertain quoll presence from reported or likely sites;

o        monitor existing known sites for quoll activity; and

o        assist with distribution of information regarding the project and other administrative tasks.

4.      Provide a central point for collection, collation and dispersal of information relating to quolls in SEQ to interested parties and the wider community through:

o        publicity, newsletter and linkages with related programs; and

o        development of a reputation for commitment to quoll conservation and community based action.

5.      Target most relevant groups including   rural and semi rural landholders, relevant state government agencies, local government and community groups.

o        encourage relevant management agencies to consider quoll conservation in planning and management actions; and

o        provide viable options and relevant information to landholders to facilitate quoll conservation on private land.

The Quoll Seekers Network would particularly like to thank Scott Hetherington and Mike Gregory for their tireless efforts in establishing and contributing to the group. Both Scott and Mike have contributed much of the information found within this site.

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29 August, 2002