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.

NEWSFLASH - Devil captured in WA - Jul 97

A news story from 1997 has been uncovered revealing a Tasmanian devil was captured in Western Australia that year. Speculation is that it was an illegally smuggled pet.

Click image at right to enlarge.

Read the full Balga devil report.

(The 2009 Grantville devil report, Vic, is also still avilable.)

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

Badger Island devils extinct

A small population of Tasmanian devils was established on Badger Island during the mid 1990s. It is now believed extinct.

Devil escapes in Devon, England, 1868

A news article in the South Australian Register notes a Tasmanian devil which escaped a traveling menagerie in Devon, England, 1868.

Two devils escape Adelaide Botanical Gardens, 1867

... and in 1873 or 1874 a devil is captured near the gardens. Was it one of the escapees, or an offspring?

Devil escapes Ballarat Zoo, 1939

A newspaper search reveals a Tasmanian devil escaped Ballarat Zoo in 1939.

1997 Mainland devil uncovered

Thanks to a reader, a reference to a 1997 female devil body being discovered in Western Australia has been uncovered.

Evidence comes to light regarding pre 1916 devil capture in Vic

A letter to a 1916 newspaper column makes reference to the Victorian Year Book of 1914-1915 describing a Tasmanian devil capture from forests north of Kilmore, Victoria.

Chris has opened a dealership stocking the Scount Guard trail cameras.

Past 20 Announcements

The Search for Mainland Tasmanian Devils