Context
Spotted-tailed Quoll - Dasyurus maculatus
The Spotted-tailed Quoll is an Australian native marsupial that is currently listed as 'vulnerable' in NSW and 'endangered' across Australia.
Red Fox - Vulpes vulpes
The Red Fox is an introduced predator that threatens the survival of many native Australian animals.
There are many ecological interactions between the fox and the quoll. Have fun finding all these out!
The Study Site
The site is located at Sackville North on a ridge above the Hawkesbury River. The natural vegetation of the area has been modified by farming practices, school buildings and rural residential properties.
The land was originally inhabited by the Darug Aboriginal Peoples. The Sackville to Windsor area was considered suitable for farming and was settled in 1810. The vegetation was severely modified following settlement. This was initially restricted to the flood plain immediately adjacent to the river.
Sackville North Public School was located on the site from 1878-1972. Brewongle Environmental Education Centre was opened officially in 1979 and is a facility that hosts other schools on day and camp visits.
The site has been classified as having the vegetation community of Sydney Sandstone Gully Forest and Shale Sandstone Transition Forest with dominant tree species including Grey Gum (Eucalyptus punctata), and Grey Myrtle (Backhousia myrtifolia).
Your Task
- To create a specific inquiry question relating to the inter-relationship of Red Foxes and Spotted-Tailed Quolls.
- Predict/hypothesise the outcome of your field study based on your research of fox/quoll population dynamics.
- Complete a first hand investigation as part of a field trip to collect primary and secondary data.
- Process and analyse the data to help solve the problem presented by your inquiry question.
- Communicate your scientific findings using a medium of your choice.