Conservationists are ecstatic to find Tasmanian devil joeys born in the wild of Australia after the carnivorous marsupials have been wiped out from the mainland for over 3,000 years.
Tasmanian devils are being successfully bred in the wild on the Australian mainland for the first time in 3,000 years - and they could end up helping to control feral cats and foxes.
Tasmanian devils have been born in the wild on Australia’s mainland 3,000 years after the marsupials disappeared from the continent, conservation groups said on May 25, raising hopes that a major rewilding effort could succeed.
First baby Tasmanian devils born wild in mainland Australia in 3,000 years
Only around 25,000 Tasmanian devils remain in their natural habitat
Aussie Ark
Aussie Ark
WildArk
Aussie Ark
Last year, more than two dozen Tasmanian devils were released back into the wilds of mainland Australia, a place they haven’t called home in more than 3,000 years. And now, the first new baby devils have been born in this new refuge, cementing hopes for the species.
In 2020, 26 Tasmanian devils were set free in a 1,000-acre (404.6-ha) sanctuary in Barrington Tops, about 200 km (124 miles) north of Sydney. This safe new home is designed to protect them from introduced long-time rivals like cats and foxes, as well as other dangers like fire, cars and disease.