Tasmanian Devil in Crisis
Australia's largest living marsupial carnivore, the Tasmanian Devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) is in crisis and is now classified as endangered.
The culprit is the devastating Devil Facial Tumour disease. This disease - a unique form of cancer - was first observed in the mid 90's and since then sightings of Devils in the wild have declined by around 53%. The disease is now present across 59% of Tasmania and the long term survival of the Devil is at serious risk.
Apart from the direct impact on the Devils themselves, their disappearance will affect the survival of an estimated 70 vertebrate species, some of which were wiped out on the mainland many years ago.
Foxes are a huge threat to wildlife, and Devils are the key to keeping foxes under control on Tasmania. It's no coincidence that since Devil numbers have fallen fox numbers have increased.
Emergency plans to save the Devil include transferring disease-free breeding animals to the mainland and establishing captive breeding programmes at around eight sites, including the Australian Reptile Park at Gosford in NSW.
The Australian Reptile Park (ARP) protects and supports a number of Australian mammal species. ARP has taken to the Devil project with passion and enthusiasm, and has already had great success producing young.
If the Devil Facial Tumour continues to spread the future of the Devil may well depend on organisations like ARP. FAME has recently agreed to work in partnership with ARP to help them expand their work with this species.
Become a 'Friend of the Devil' and help FAME and ARP save this unique species from extinction. Please make a donation via our secure site, or email fame@fame.org.au for more information.
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