In a major win for conservation, ecologists at Mt. Gibson Wildlife Sanctuary in Australia have discovered the first baby western quolls born at the sanctuary.
The newborns were found during a routine survey, tucked in their mothers’ pouches.
Western quolls, or chuditch, are cat-sized marsupials crucial to the ecosystem as natural pest controllers, but their population has declined due to habitat loss and human activity.
Once widespread across Australia, they are now mostly found in small parts of southwestern Western Australia. This birth marks a milestone in ongoing reintroduction efforts by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC).
According to senior field ecologist Georgina Anderson, the quolls are not just surviving but thriving in their new environment. Conservationists have also been relocating quolls to build sustainable populations nationwide. These births signal hope for the species’ recovery and highlight the success of human-led intervention. With continued support, monitoring, and community involvement, experts hope western quolls can reclaim more of their former habitats. The birth of these young quolls is a powerful reminder of nature’s resilience and the vital role of conservation.