Outfoxed: How well do you know your native animals? Australians’ questionable quoll knowledge exposed
A survey of 5,000 Australians reveals significant gaps in knowledge regarding native wildlife, with many misidentifying invasive species like foxes as native. The report highlights that while iconic animals like kangaroos are well-recognized, unique predators like quolls are often misunderstood.
Why it matters
Public awareness is critical for conservation efforts and the success of invasive species management programs.
An eastern quoll. The animals were once found in Melbourne and Sydney as late as the 1960s. Photograph: Aussie Ark An eastern quoll. The animals were once found in Melbourne and Sydney as late as the 1960s. Photograph: Aussie Ark Australian climate and environmental reporting Wildlife Outfoxed: How well do you know your native animals? Australians’ questionable quoll knowledge exposed About one in six NSW, QLD and Vic residents think foxes are native animals and a third believe quolls are introduced, survey shows
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About this content Petra Stock Sun 20 Sep 2026 02.49 EDT Last modified on Sun 20 Sep 2026 02.51 EDT Share Prefer the Guardian on Google Most people identify wombats and kangaroos as Australian animals, but one in six people surveyed in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria think red foxes are native wildlife .
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