Farmer Captures Creature Deemed Locally Extinct For 130 Years, While Protecting His Chickens

A remarkable incident unfolded in southern Australia when a farmer, Frank Pao-Ling Tsai, stumbled upon a creature believed to be locally extinct for over a century. Tsai, a dedicated trout farmer residing in Beachport, South Australia, was jolted awake by a commotion emanating from his chicken coop in the early morning of Tuesday, September 26. Intrigued and concerned, he swiftly ventured outside to investigate the source of the disturbance.

To his astonishment, Tsai discovered a peculiar spotted creature amidst the chaos, accompanied by the unfortunate demise of one of his chickens. Initially perplexed by the unfamiliar sight, Tsai recounted his surprise to ABC News, confessing, "I had no idea what it was at first. I expected to find a cat, but I found this little animal instead."

Captivating photographs of the captured animal have since emerged, showcasing its distinctive features. The creature boasts a lustrous brown coat, complemented by a lengthy tail and an enchanting array of white spots. Evidently agitated, the creature fiercely bared its teeth at the camera, as depicted in the captivating images.

This extraordinary encounter has sparked widespread intrigue and fascination, as the creature in question is believed to be a species that had vanished from the local landscape for well over a century. Its reappearance has left experts and enthusiasts alike in awe, prompting a flurry of speculation and scientific inquiry.

Tsai told McClatchy News that he successfully captured the creature in a plastic chicken cage. Eager to identify the animal, he promptly shared photographs of his remarkable find.

According to The Guardian, wildlife officials have identified the captured creature as a spotted-tailed quoll. This marsupial, also known as the tiger quoll, is an endangered species and holds the distinction of being the largest native carnivore remaining on the Australian mainland, as stated by the Australian Conservation Foundation. Alarming statistics reveal that only approximately 14,000 spotted-tailed quolls remain in the wild, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts.

Remarkably, the last officially documented sighting of a spotted-tailed quoll in South Australia dates back to the 1880s, as confirmed by Ross Anderson, a district ranger from the National Parks and Wildlife Service Limestone Coast. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that the species has been locally extinct for over 130 years, making Tsai's discovery all the more extraordinary.

According to a report by 7 News, the captured quoll underwent a DNA testing before being released at a location that remains undisclosed. In an effort to further understand this rediscovered quoll species and determine the presence of additional quolls in the Beachport area, wildlife officials are planning to deploy cameras and traps, as reported by The Guardian.

About spotted-tail quolls

Spotted-tail quolls (Dasyurus maculatus) are medium-sized carnivorous marsupials endemic to Australia, renowned for their striking appearance and elusive nature. With a body length of 55-75 centimeters, these solitary creatures possess a unique coat pattern consisting of white spots on a dark brown or black background, which serves as camouflage in their forest habitats.

They inhabit various ecosystems across Australia, including rainforests, woodlands, and heathlands, indicating their wide adaptability. As opportunistic predators, spotted-tail quolls primarily feed on small mammals, birds, lizards, insects, and fruits when available. Unfortunately, these beautiful creatures face several threats that have led to declining populations in recent years.

Habitat loss due to deforestation and urbanization has restricted their territories, leaving them more susceptible to competition with other predators and reduced prey availability. Additionally, invasive species like foxes and feral cats pose significant challenges by competing for resources and predating upon quolls. Conservation efforts focusing on habitat preservation and control of invasive species are crucial for the survival of this iconic Australian marsupial.