A recent survey conducted across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria has uncovered significant gaps in public knowledge about native Australian wildlife, particularly concerning species such as the quoll. The study, commissioned by the Invasive Species Council and carried out by DemosAU, involved 5,000 participants who were asked to identify whether various animals were native to Australia.

The results showed that while recognition of iconic species like kangaroos and wombats remains high—over 95% correctly identified them as native—there was much less awareness for other native animals. One in three respondents did not know that quolls are native, and fewer than expected recognized bandicoots as Australian wildlife. Conversely, one in six mistakenly considered red foxes native, and about 20% believed cane toads, an introduced invasive species, were native. Roughly 10% also identified domestic cats as wildlife.

The Invasive Species Council highlighted these findings as evidence of an increasing disconnect between Australians and their local fauna. Rob Brewster, the council’s rewilding manager, emphasized the ecological threat posed by introduced species such as foxes and cats, which are among the most destructive mammals to Australian ecosystems. He described the quoll as a unique native predator with distinct personality and coloration, once common in urban centers like Sydney and Melbourne until the mid-20th century but now rarely encountered.

Brewster warned that this fading familiarity with certain species echoes patterns often preceding local extinctions, where animals disappear from neighborhoods and regions, eventually becoming absent from public awareness altogether. "A generation grows up without seeing [these animals], and eventually their absence starts to feel normal," he said, underscoring the importance of conservation efforts to maintain public knowledge and engagement.

Ecologists also weighed in on the survey outcomes. Associate Professor Diana Fisher from the University of Queensland noted that quolls are nocturnal predators that tend to avoid human habitations, which partly explains why many people have not seen them outside of zoos or bushland. She emphasized their ecological value and appeal, remarking on their distinctive spotted coats.

Professor Euan Ritchie of Deakin University described quolls as “magnificent marsupials” that play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance, including by preying on invasive species like European rabbits. He emphasized the cultural significance these animals hold for many First Nations communities and advocated for their reintroduction into areas where they have declined. Ritchie has also proposed raising the profile of lesser-known native species by featuring them as mascots for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games, aiming to boost public awareness and conservation interest.

Australia’s ongoing challenges with species extinctions and invasive pests remain pressing concerns for conservationists, who see education and public recognition as key components in efforts to protect the country's unique biodiversity.