Aussie Ark Tasmanian devil breeding program great results early in winter season

The bold mission to bring the Tasmanian devil back from the brink of extinction is making huge advances as the 2024 breeding season yields some extraordinary results.

Aussie Ark’s mission to bring the Tasmanian devil back from the brink of extinction is making huge advances as the 2024 breeding season yields some extraordinary results.

The first pouch checks of what’s termed their ‘insurance population’ has revealed 31 new joeys have already been born and it’s only mid-breeding season.

The Devil Ark – now known at the Aussie Ark to reflect its expanded role in protecting other species – was established in the rugged Barrington mountain range west of Gloucester in 2011 to try to save the species from extinction due to devastating Devil Facial Tumour Disease.

Tasmanian Devil joeys, June 2024.

To get 31 joeys mid breeding season, with a third oestrus to go, is a very exciting indicator.

With more females to check - each with the capacity to have four joeys -the 2024 season could see as many as 62 joeys.

Last year’s total was 42.

Operations Manager Dean Reid holding a devil mother for a pouch check.

The recent round of trapping both at the Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary and the Species Recovery Unit on the Central Coast was a real eye opener for Aussie Ark Wildlife Ranger Adam Mowbray.

“This was the first time I’ve been able to lead the charge checking our devils’ pouches, and so to have a tiny devil joeys in my hands was truly, truly amazing.”

A Tasmanian devil mother emerging from a trap sack.

Tasmanian devil females experience three oestrus cycles during the winter breeding season.

The first occurs in February/March, the second in April/May, so the new joeys vary in age from one to three-months-old.

They are blind, hairless, and totally defenceless, and remain clamped to their mother’s teat for 100 days.

Aussie Ark Wildlife Ranger Adam Mowbray with one of the proud devil mums.

Trapping and pouch-checking mid breeding season is carried out to record which females are baring young, and monitor the young’s progress.

“Aussie Ark has the largest insurance population of this species in the world,” Mr Mowbray said.
“And last year we celebrated our 500th devil joey. So we’re looking to surpass that record this year.”

With all potential devil mothers in top health, a third oestrus still to go, and more pouch checks scheduled later in winter, Aussie Ark’s confident in another history-making breeding season.

“It’s truly incredible to be part of such a vital program, to ensure we don’t lose yet another mammalian species from this planet.”

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Originally published as Aussie Ark Tasmanian devil breeding program great results early in winter season