Monarto Zoo has success with Tasmanian devil breeding program
A MONARTO Zoo Tasmanian devil breeding program is having success establishing a tumour-free population on the Apple Isle.
A MONARTO Zoo Tasmanian devil breeding program is having success establishing a tumour-free population on the Apple Isle.
The program is part of the Save the Tasmanian devil Program — a collaborative captive breeding and release project.
Devil numbers have rapidly declined since 1996 when the first official case of Devil Facial Tumour Disease was discovered.
It is estimated the disease — a cancerous tumour on the devil’s head and face — has wiped out 70 per cent of the Tasmanian population.
Monarto Zoo Tasmanian devil keeper Daniel Saliba said breeding programs for the endangered marsupial were vital to ensuring the future of the species.
“It’s crucial to have these programs because not only are we ensuring a disease free population, we’re able to make sure we have genetic diversity,” he said.
“We work with other zoos interstate to keep genetics variable.”
In 2013, three Monarto-bred devils were released to Maria Island off Tasmania’s coast as part of a tumour-free population.
Mr Saliba said the devils had settled into life in the wild — so much so, one of the females is now the mum of four devil joeys.
Devils are the largest living carnivorous marsupial in Australia.
But, Mr Saliba said the animals have a softer side.
“People think of devils as aggressive, vocal carnivores but they’re actually quite affectionate,” he said.
“During breeding season the males will look after the females, to the point they will drag them out the den to water and drag them back again. I’ve observed pairs and groups living quite happily together.
“They’re a great Australian animal and we can’t afford to lose them.”
A Zoos SA spokeswoman said Monarto and Adelaide zoos had been involved in a wide range of conservation projects.
“Our efforts have spanned the globe but also have a strong focus on our native endangered animals,” she said.