It is commonly accepted the devil became extinct on mainland Australia about 500 years ago. These five specimens may well be left over mainland stock, or they may be Tasmanian stock introduced to the mainland.

This website is dedicated to the search for mainland Tasmanian devils, including an examination of the history of the five Victorian specimens, and devils in mainland breeding programs today.

The latest news headlines relating to devil facial tumour disease (DFTD), and carnivorous marsupials in general are presented in the Newswatch column below.

Our progress reports and media releases are announced at right.

Newswatch

Western Plains Zoo breeds devils

Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, NSW, has found that two of its female devils are carrying young. One female is carrying both a male and female joey together with an unsexed third, whilst a second female is carrying two young.

Last year 12 devils were shipped to the zoo as part of the insurance population being bred on the mainland.

22 Jul 2008 10:27 AM

Small devil population surviving in north-east

A small population of Tasmanian devils has continued to survive in north-east Tasmania despite devil facial tumour disease (DFTD) first appearing in that region over 10 years ago.

The population at Mt William National Park originally numbered 250 individuals and has now been reduced to just 30 but despite this, researchers are encouraged.

Devils in the region are now breeding more often each year, and at a younger age - possible coping strategies to ensure localised survival of the species.

Scientists would like to work towards reducing other factors which are impacting the survival of devils in the area, such as roadkill rates and even assisting individual females raise their young.

22 Jul 2008 12:59 AM

Devils breeding earlier to combat disease

Hobart researchers have published a report in an American journal concluding that female Tasmanian devils are reaching sexual maturity and breeding earlier, probably in an effort to overcome devil facial tumour disease (DFTD).

According to the report, traditionally it was very rare for devils to breed before the age of two years. Currently however, sixty percent of one-year-old devils are breeding.

Correlating the ages to human terms the researchers describe them as equivalent to being teenagers.

The change is believed to be in response to the massive reduction in population numbers overall. This has has left vast areas which are abundant in food and without competition, suitable for raising young.

14 Jul 2008 07:37 PM

Past 100 Newswatch items

Announcements

Tasmanian devil sighting reported in Queensland

In the first sighting from Queensland known to Mainland Devils, a Tasmanian devil was seen feeding on roadkill on Wednesday last week.

Tasmanian devil eyeshine

Have you ever wondered what colour Tasmanian devil eyeshine is? One reader reporting a mainland Tasmanian devil sighting asked me that question and so I turned to Nick Mooney of Tasmania's Parks and Wildlife Service for the answer - and it's not a simple one.

A wallaby getting ready to throw our trail camera

Camera deployment 4 photos are now online. This camera was in the field for 2 months...

A rodent with a broad muzzle captured by motion activated camera during mainland Tasmanian devil survey

Camera deployment 3 photos are now online. This has been the most active camera to date with a diurnal bird even putting in an appearance.

Past 20 Announcements

The Search for Mainland Devils

Western Plains Zoo breeds devils

Small devil population surviving in north-east

Devils breeding earlier to combat disease

Tasmanian devil sighting reported in Queensland

Tasmanian devil eyeshine

Camera 4 photos

Camera 3 photos