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Zoos and animal sanctuaries are breeding Tasmanian Devils in captivity to limit the spread of the Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD). This disease is a great threat to Tasmanian devils living in the wild, affecting some two-thirds of the population.
The Australian Government now has initiatives and programs set up to preserve the species. Tasmanian devils are being housed in captive breeding programmes, which should prevent the extinction of the marsupial, but not necessarily in the wild.
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What is the aim of the Tasmanian devil breeding program?
The purpose of the Tasmanian devil breeding programme is to ensure that this unique animal does not become extinct. Zoos and animal sanctuaries are breeding Tasmanian Devils in captivity to limit the spread of the Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD). This disease is a great threat to Tasmanian devils living in the wild, affecting some two-thirds of the population. The Australian Government now has initiatives and programs set up to preserve the species. Tasmanian devils are being housed in captive breeding programmes, which should prevent the extinction of the marsupial, although this may not necessarily preserve them in the wild.
What is likely to happen to Tasmanian devils in the future?
Due to the increasing prevalence of the fatal Devil Facial Tumour Disease, predictions are that the only Tasmanian devils remaining will be those in zoos and sanctuaries, and in protective captivity breeding programmes. The current population trend is decreasing, but moves to breed more genetically diverse Tasmanian devils with higher levels of immunity have been very successful. Plans are afoot to release healthy Tasmanian devils onto islands off Tasmania, where they can help to improve the biodiversity of those islands.
Are there any Tasmanian devils around?
Yes. Tasmanian devils are found in the wild, in their natural habitat, and in animal sanctuaries and zoos. There are no accurate estimates for Tasmanian devil numbers, but there are thought to be between 20000 and 60000 annals remaining.
What is being done to help save Tasmanian devils?
Scientists are breeding Tasmanian Devils in captivity to limit the spread of the Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD). This disease is a great threat to Tasmanian devils living in the wild, affecting some two-thirds of the population.Tasmanian devils are being housed in captive breeding programmes, which should prevent the extinction of the marsupial, but not necessarily in the wild. In January 2010, a team of international scientists pinpointed the genetic marker that predisposes Tasmanian devils towards this fatal disease. With this knowledge, there is now a better chance of a cure, which would also stop the disease decimating the wild Tasmanian devil population.In addition, the "Save the Tasmanian Devil" was begun, with the objective being to 'maintain an enduring and ecologically functional population of Tasmanian Devils in the wild in Tasmania'. This programme is a joint initiative between the Australian Federal and Tasmanian State governments, together with the University of Tasmania. More sponsorship has come through the car company Suzuki Australia which has developed a is partnership with Zoos Victoria. Suzuki donates an amount from the sale of each Suzuki SUV to help save the Tasmanian Devil.See more information at the related link below.
How many Tasmanian devils are in zoos?
Tasmanian devils are only found in the wild in the Australian island state of Tasmania. They are no longer found on the mainland continent, except in captive breeding programmes.Numbers of the Tasmanian devil in the wild are dropping rapidly. According to Australia's Department of Primary Industries, data from December 2006 gives an estimate of the Tasmanian Devil's population at only 20,000 - 50,000 mature Tasmanian Devils. However, it is very hard to accurately determine numbers. Sightings have dropped by around 64%. The most recent estimate from June 2011 is that numbers across Tasmania are around 40,000, down from 100,000 prior to the outbreak of the devastating Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD). Some sources suggest the figure is as low as 17,000.There are three major problems the Tasmanian Devil faces:Devil Facial Tumour DiseaseRecent introduction of the red fox into TasmaniaRoadkill - which accounts for an estimated 2000 deaths of Tasmanian Devils every yearBecause of the impact of the DFTD, scientists have begun a captive breeding programme of Tasmanian devils. This involves taking healthy individuals from Tasmania and breeding them in special "wild" enclosures on the mainland. Figures for captive Tasmanian devils indicate that there are several hundred more Tasmanian devils in 18 zoos and sanctuaries across Australia. Captive breeding programmes in South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales have seen considerable success. Healesville Sanctuary in Victoria, alone, has managed to maintain a Tasmanian devil population of around 120 over the past decade, meaning that new joeys are being successfully bred. The aim, ultimately, is to keep a steady population of some 500 Tasmanian devils in captive breeding, releasing healthy individuals into the wild.
Who is protecting Tasmanian devils?
Scientists are breeding Tasmanian Devils in captivity to limit the spread of the Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD). This disease is a great threat to Tasmanian devils living in the wild, affecting some two-thirds of the population.The Australian Government now has initiatives and programs set up to preserve the species. Tasmanian devils are being housed in captive breeding programmes, which should prevent the extinction of the marsupial, but not necessarily in the wild. In January 2010, a team of international scientists pinpointed the genetic marker that predisposes Tasmanian devils towards this fatal disease. With this knowledge, there is now a better chance of a cure, which would also stop the disease decimating the wild Tasmanian devil population.The "Save the Tasmanian Devil" campaign helps the Tasmanian devil, with the objective being to 'maintain an enduring and ecologically functional population of Tasmanian Devils in the wild in Tasmania'. This programme is a joint initiative between the Australian Federal and Tasmanian State governments, together with the University of Tasmania.More sponsorship has come through the car company Suzuki Australia which has developed a is partnership with Zoos Victoria. Suzuki donates an amount from the sale of each Suzuki SUV to help save the Tasmanian Devil.
Does the Tasmanian Devil live anywhere besides Australia?
No. In its natural state, it is only found on the island of Tasmania. There are numerous Tasmanian devils in zoos and sanctuaries on the mainland.
What are the recovery efforts for the Tasmanian devil?
Scientists are breeding Tasmanian Devils in captivity to limit the spread of the Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD). This disease is a great threat to Tasmanian devils living in the wild, affecting some two-thirds of the population.The Australian Government now has initiatives and programs set up to preserve the species. Tasmanian devils are being housed in captive breeding programmes, which should prevent the extinction of the marsupial, but not necessarily in the wild. In January 2010, a team of international scientists pinpointed the genetic marker that predisposes Tasmanian devils towards this fatal disease. With this knowledge, there is now a better chance of a cure, which would also stop the disease decimating the wild Tasmanian devil population.The "Save the Tasmanian Devil" campaign helps the Tasmanian devil, with the objective being to 'maintain an enduring and ecologically functional population of Tasmanian Devils in the wild in Tasmania'. This programme is a joint initiative between the Australian Federal and Tasmanian State governments, together with the University of Tasmania.More sponsorship has come through the car company Suzuki Australia which has developed a is partnership with Zoos Victoria. Suzuki donates an amount from the sale of each Suzuki SUV to help save the Tasmanian Devil.
How are people protecting the Tasmanian devil?
Scientists are breeding Tasmanian Devils in captivity to limit the spread of the Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD). This disease is a great threat to Tasmanian devils living in the wild, affecting some two-thirds of the population.The Australian Government now has initiatives and programs set up to preserve the species. Tasmanian devils are being housed in captive breeding programmes, which should prevent the extinction of the marsupial, but not necessarily in the wild. In January 2010, a team of international scientists pinpointed the genetic marker that predisposes Tasmanian devils towards this fatal disease. With this knowledge, there is now a better chance of a cure, which would also stop the disease decimating the wild Tasmanian devil population.The "Save the Tasmanian Devil" campaign helps the Tasmanian devil, with the objective being to 'maintain an enduring and ecologically functional population of Tasmanian Devils in the wild in Tasmania'. This programme is a joint initiative between the Australian Federal and Tasmanian State governments, together with the University of Tasmania.More sponsorship has come through the car company Suzuki Australia which has developed a is partnership with Zoos Victoria. Suzuki donates an amount from the sale of each Suzuki SUV to help save the Tasmanian Devil.
How many places have the Tasmanian devil?
Tasmanian devils are now only found in the wild in Tasmania, Australia's island state. Numerous sanctuaries and zoos around Australia have them as well.
Are animals in zoos born in captivity?
Many animals in zoos are born in captivity, particularly those in well-established institutions that focus on breeding programs for endangered species. However, some zoos still house animals that were captured from the wild. The balance between captive breeding and wild capture varies by zoo and species, with a growing emphasis on conservation and breeding for sustainability.
Are Tasmanian devils held captive?
The Tasmanian Devil is a wild animal. They are not domesticated, nor kept as pets. Even if they were not protected animals, the Tasmanian devil would not be a desirable pet. They can be very fierce where food is concerned and, when cornered, can emit a foul smell. Some are kept in zoos and animal sanctuaries in Australia, while there are also some captive breeding programmes in an attempt to preserve the species.
