Tasmanian Devil
Conservation
The Tasmanian Devil is the worldâs largest surviving marsupial carnivore. Sadly, the Tasmanian Devil has undergone a massive decline in numbers due to the Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD), with over 90% of the Tasmanian Devil population lost to this terrible disease. The Save the Tasmanian Devil Program (STDP) was established in response to the very real threat of extinction. The STDP includes a collaboration between the Tasmanian Government and the Zoo and Aquarium Association through which an ex-situ (captive) population was established.
Protecting the Tasmanian Devils in the wild
Researchers are working on the development of a vaccine for the disease, however most of the conservation initiatives involve protecting populations where the disease has not appeared, as well as a strong focus on the ex-situ (captive) breeding program.
WHO KNEW?
Around 400 years ago Tasmanian Devils became extinct on mainland Australia. Wild Tasmanian Devils are now found only in Tasmania.
You can find
me at Q12 & Q5
SAVING THE TASMANIAN DEVIL THROUGH CAPTIVE BREEDING
The ex-situ (captive) population provides insurance against extinction of the species, and a source population for reintroduction and re-establishment of the species. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has supported the STDP by breeding Tasmanian Devils as well as acting as an advocacy institution.