Feral cat risk to native chuditch

There has been some sad news in the WA wildlife world after the demise of a western quoll was captured on camera in the Dryandra Woodlands.

A feral cat was seen moving through the woodlands with the threatened native animal in its jaws.

The Department of Parks and Wildlife shared the image on social media, saying the image highlighted the threats posed by introduced pests such as feral cats and foxes.

Also known by its Noongar name, chuditch, these large carnivorous marsupials were once found across 70 per cent of Australia but now only occupy the South West of WA and small parts of South Australia.

Their conservation status is listed as “vulnerable”, meaning they are considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.

Other threats to the chuditch include land clearing and the removal of suitable den logs and den sites.

DPAW said they were working with landholders, non-government organisations and industry partners to reduce fox and feral cat numbers under the Western Shield wildlife recovery program.

Members of the public could help by being a responsible pet owner.

“Make sure your cat is kept inside at night, even in the city, and ensure it is sterilised, microchipped and registered,” DPAW said.