Why is it so important that Tasmanian devils don’t become extinct in the wild?
We are already possibly seeing the early signs of changes in the landscape from the decreasing devil population, impacting on our agricultural industries as well as our environment. The decline in devil numbers means there are now large amounts of surplus carrion in the landscape (up to 100 tonnes/day) – and other carnivores are already responding to that surplus. One of the biggest threats is posed by introduced, invasive species – such as feral cats and dogs – which now have an opportunity for major expansion. But most significant of all is the fox threat that is facing Tasmania. The coincidence of DFTD and fox evidence is stark. Devils have probably previously acted as a buffer to fox establishment in Tasmania. With their decline, that measure of protection for the State is drastically reduced. A fully established fox population would prey on at least 70 vertebrate species, directly endangering seven. In short, the annual cost to the Tasmanian economy of the fox establishing here wo
