This marsupial used to be 'abundant' — now, researchers can't find it

The population of northern quolls is under threat in Litchfield National Park, with research underway locally to try and capture a rare glimpse of the native animal. ( ABC News: Dane Hirst )

Wildlife cameras have been filming in Litchfield National Park for almost 12 months, but the nationally endangered northern quoll is yet to be spotted.

PhD candidate Ryan Sauermann says feral animals, such as cats and cane toads, have contributed to the native species' population decline.

Ranger Darius Nasir warns "we won't see them again" if the decline continues, and Mr Sauermann wants pet-owners to help limit the threat to wildlife.

For nearly a year, Ryan Sauermann has been scouring the Top End's Litchfield National Park in hopes of catching a glimpse of a northern quoll — but he's yet to spot one.

The University of Melbourne PhD student believes the once-common marsupial may now be locally extinct in the region.

Cane toads and feral cats are among the threats facing these small marsupials. ( Supplied: Parks and Wildlife )

"We started out hoping to set up a captive breeding and rewilding colony, given how quickly their populations have declined," he said.

Copyright for this text belongs to ABC Australia.