Tasmanian Devil, Sarcophilus harrisii

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dwatsonbb
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Tasmanian Devil, Sarcophilus harrisii

On Saturday, Sam (my son) and I went to an appreciation BBQ at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. If you read my other posts, there is information about what Bonorong does. Any way got some nice photos of the Tasmanian Devil, (Sarcophilus harrisii).

They have a "retirement village", for older devils, that have already participated in the establishment of a disease free population, as well as a display of younger specimens. For those who don't know, the Tasmanian Devil is heading toward becoming endangered, due to the "Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumor Disease".

During my nocturnal travels, I have seen a few Devils crossing our roads, but never photographed in the wild. Anyway here are some of my efforts, hope you enjoy. 

 

 

  

Annie W
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They're certainly amazing creatures.  The work the people at places like Bonorong do for our wildlife, is just incredible.  Up North here Trowunna Wildlife is a favourite of mine, similar to Bonorong I imagine.  I tend to avoid any animal attractions anywhere that just have animals on display, just a personal preference.  But places like Bonorong & Trowunna, they have my vote for their rescue, rehab, re-release (when it's possible), care & work they do with the long term welfare of these beautiful animals in mind.heart

West Coast Tasmania

Woko
Woko's picture

I understand that the Tasmanian devil is also under threat from recently-approved & likely future-approved mining & forestry development in habitats where it hasn't yet succumbed to the dreaded facial tumour.

richman

I want a quoll for a pet. Actually scratch that... I want a quoll for a friend.

Woko
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Richman, I can see that you have a strong affinity with quolls. However, could I suggest that your energies might be better spent protecting quoll habitat so that quolls can survive in the wild?

Araminta
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I suggest a program (if it doesn't exist already?) "adopt a Quoll" or "adopt a Devil" ,as in sponsor one by giving a certain amount of money to a Wildlife Shelter every month.

.

M-L

dwatsonbb
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Problem is until something becomes endangered (even then) little will be done. Below is a link to the Tasmanian Dept. of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE), listing threatened species of Tasmania. The Tasmanian Devil was listed as "endangered" well before numbers dropped very dramatically, as a result of the Devil Facial Tumor Disease, largely because the then minister could see where the poor devil was headed. Due to this listing, funds miraculously became available for research, which is continuing today. Many believe that part of the reason this occurred was due largely to the devil's iconic status. Funding for other species will be harder to obtain, as they do not have the same status.

Quolls mentioned above are believed to be extinct in most areas of Mainland Australia, but apparently there has been some recent sightings of Eastern Quolls in the New Engalnd Area of NSW. Eastern Quolls are listed as "common" in Tasmania, and are unlikely to receive any help at this time. Spotted Tailed Quolls are listed as Rare in Tasmania, and Critically Endangered on the Mainland (many believe extinct).

My personal experience is that the Eastern Quoll is sighted very regularly on the roads near where I live (my job with Ambulance Tasmania, involves frequent night driving), while I can say I have only ever seen 2 Spotted Tailed Quolls, and in more remote areas only. We treat any Quoll rescue as being of a threatened species, and therefore are likely to go the extra yard or 2 in an effort to save them. Wallaby and Brush Tailed Possums are extremely common, as a result, most of our euthanasures are of these species (injury or illness not compatible with successful release). Other species, such as Bettongs, (not even on the threatened species list) (moderately common in their habitat - but very limited range) will be given every chance, as there is a captive breeding program, trying to re-establish this species in the ACT.

As Woko continues to point out, habitat destruction is probably the biggest threat. I think he is preaching mostly to the converted here on this site, we must all chip away, in an effort to ensure survival of all our natural species still present at this time.

Apologies if I got a bit long winded, but you have probably already guessed, I am passionate about helping our friends in the bush (well the indigenous ones anyway)
http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/WebPages/SJON-58K8WK?open

Dale Huonville, Tasmania

Araminta
Araminta's picture

Don't apologise, I am as practical as you are Dale, is there any organisation that does a "sponsor a devil or quoll " program?

If there is, put up a link please , I will sponsor oneyes
 

M-L

Annie W
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Here's two from the North, hope you don't mind Dale - I'm sure you know all the ones down South way better than me, and any I've missed in between! smiley

Devils at Cradle has a great adopt a Quoll/Devil program, Trowunna is adopt any of their rescue/rehabs/unable to be re-released resident animals (I think).

http://devilsatcradle.com/content.php?id=donations

http://trowunna.com.au/wildlife/get-involved/sponsor-animal/

West Coast Tasmania

dwatsonbb
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Hi M-L a couple of links for you to follow, the 1st is the Sanctuary Ruby mentioned in one of my other posts, the 2nd has the option of Devils and or Quolls (both Spotted Tailed and Eastern).
Alternatively if you do a google search "sponsor a Tasmanian devil" there are heaps of places to donate. I can't vouch for any of these organizations, so you might have to do some research yourself.

The last link is for Bonorong, the sanctuary for which we do wildlife rescue. They don't have a sponsorship, or even a donation link, essentially they are a private company, who has taken on the animal rescue task. Thought that might give some background about what we do. Greg Irons (the owner/director) has been talking with Wires, and also an Organisation in South America about how our system works, as it seems he has been the pioneer of this FOC program, using members of the public via an SMS network to rescue wildlife in trouble. Bonorong is also raising money to establish a "Wildlife Vet Hospital" and last I heard had about 70,000, of an estimated 200,000 needed. I believe this will still rely on vets and other staff to donate their time (not 100% sure how it will work).

Thanks for your interest.

http://www.trowunna.com.au/wildlife/get-involved/sponsor-animal/
http://www.devilsatcradle.com/content.php?id=donations
http://www.bonorong.com.au/index.html

Dale Huonville, Tasmania

dwatsonbb
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Ruby, you must have been posting at the same time I was busy typing, course I don't mind, interesting we both got the same links.There doesn't seem to be any adoptions available in the south, just "tourist parks".

Dale Huonville, Tasmania

Araminta
Araminta's picture

Thanks both of youheart I will take some time to look into it tomorrow. Something I wanted to do for a long time.

M-L

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