What Are The Optimal Prey Base Requirements For Reintroduced Eastern Quolls (Dasyurus Viverrinus) In A Tasmanian Ecosystem Dominated By Invasive Red Foxes (Vulpes Vulpes), And How Might This Inform The Development Of A Supplementary Feeding Strategy To Support Quoll Population Establishment And Reduce The Risk Of Quoll-fox Competitive Interactions?

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Optimal Prey Base and Supplementary Feeding Strategy for Eastern Quolls in Tasmania

1. Understanding Prey Requirements:

  • Diet Composition: Eastern quolls are carnivores, primarily consuming small mammals, insects, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Their diet overlaps with that of red foxes, leading to potential competition.
  • Prey Sufficiency: A robust prey base is essential to support quoll populations, considering their metabolic needs and competition with foxes. Sufficient prey reduces competition stress.

2. Reducing Competition with Foxes:

  • Prey Diversity: Focus on prey species less preferred by foxes, such as insects and reptiles, to minimize competition.
  • Ecosystem Considerations: Ensure the ecosystem can sustain both quolls and foxes, potentially through habitat management to enhance prey diversity and abundance.

3. Supplementary Feeding Strategy:

  • Food Type: Provide a protein-rich diet, such as meat, to meet nutritional needs without causing dependency.
  • Feeder Placement and Timing: Locate feeders in reintroduction areas, away from human settlements. Distribute food during prey scarcity, such as winter, to support quolls without disrupting natural behavior.
  • Monitoring and Adaptation: Continuously monitor quoll population health, survival, and feeding behavior. Adjust strategies based on findings to avoid negative impacts.

4. Mitigating Risks:

  • Avoid Dependency: Implement a trial period to assess impacts and prevent over-reliance on supplementary food.
  • Ecological Balance: Ensure feeding does not attract other predators or disrupt ecosystem dynamics.

5. Learning from Existing Programs:

  • Research and Application: Review similar reintroduction efforts to incorporate successful strategies and avoid pitfalls.

Conclusion: A diverse and abundant prey base is crucial for eastern quolls, supported by a carefully planned supplementary feeding strategy. This approach should reduce competition with foxes, aid quoll establishment, and be adaptable based on monitoring and ecosystem needs.