AusLeisure

A fence and a canal will keep a newly released batch of Tasmanian devils off roads and separate from diseased animals in Tasmania's south east.

The Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service this week released a group of 39 devils from sanctuaries in NSW and Victoria on the Forestier Peninsula.

The devils were removed from the peninsula in 2012 when deadly facial tumour disease (DFTD) was discovered in the area.

The healthy devils were flown from Barrington Tops in New South Wales and Healesville in Victoria.

Earlier this year, 20 devils were released in the state's north but four became victims of roadkill within days.

Tasmanian Environment Minister Matthew Groom said the program operators were learning from previous experiences, stating "it was a matter of great regret that a number of the Devils released at Narawntapu were lost to roadkill and this has been a strong reminder that roadkill is also an ongoing threat to the endangered Tasmanian Devil.

"A devil-proof fence has been built at Dunalley and this, together with the natural barrier of the Dennison Canal, will ensure that the facial tumour disease will not be able to find its way back on to the Peninsula."

Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE) Operations Manager Nick Bates said it was an ideal location to reintroduce the devils.

Bates explained "devils have always lived on Forestier but their numbers have fluctuated since European settlement.

"DFTD was detected in 2004 and, after an unsuccessful attempt was made to remove the infected devils, the entire area was depopulated to ensure it was disease-free."

Top image: A captive-bred Tasmanian Devil shortly after it release. Courtesy of DPIPWE.

24th May 2015 - TASMANIAN GOVERNMENT TO SPEND $8 MILLION UPGRADING NATIONAL PARK INFRASTRUCTURE

20th August 2014 - FEDERAL GOVERNMENT APPOINTS COMMISSIONER FOR THREATENED SPECIES

22nd January 2014 - WELLINGTON ZOO WELCOMES ARRIVAL OF TASMANIAN DEVILS WITH AUSTRALIA DAY GALA EVENT

28th July 2010 - WILDLIFE ARK TO BE CREATED IN HUNTER VALLEY

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.