Picture: The Project
When photographs first arose in 1996 of Tasmanian Devils disfigured by facial tumours, conservationists were concerned that the iconic Tassie devil would go the way of the Tasmanian Tiger.
They were right to be worried; less than ten years later almost 90% of the population has been wiped out by Devil Facial Tumour Disease, a cancer which is unique in the sense that it is contagious.
Contraction of the disease is fatal for the animal, and it is predicted that in less than ten years time the Tassie Devil may be extinct. Survival in Tasmania is not an option for these animals.
On the main land however, sanctuaries which are disease free and are harnessing the genetic diversity of Tassie devils, are reporting thriving numbers of newborns.
One such sanctuary is Devil Ark, a conservation area which contains a free range breeding facility located at Barrington Tops in NSW.
The importance of free range comes into place at Devil Ark, as Tassie Devils tend to lose their wild behaviour in captivity. That very behaviour is an important element in their survival.
Tune in tonight as Serge Negus visits Devil Ark, getting a unique opportunity to see this remarkable sanctuary in action.
