In
1996, Tasmanian devils were photographed in the north-east
of the State with what appeared to be large facial tumours
– characteristics consistent with what is now known
as Devil Facial Tumour Disease. As at December 2006, the
Tasmanian devil disease had spread to 57 separate sites
covering 56% of the State.
Across Tasmania, there has been a
41% decline in average sightings from 1992-95 to 2002-05.
In the north-east region, where signs of the Tasmanian devil
disease were first reported, there has been a 90 per cent
decline of average spotlighting sightings from 1992-95 to
2002-05.
The proportion of animals displaying
signs of the disease at any one site has reached up to 83%
of trapped adults.
The
latest research indicates that the disease is transmissible
between devils, so new cases continue to occur in areas
where the disease had not previously been recorded. These
sites include Lake Pedder, in the southwest, and approximately
30km west of Pencil Pine, near Mt Cattley. Narawntapu National
Park is the latest area to be affected, the Tasmanian devil
disease is possibly getting close.
 |
| Map
showing known distribution of DFTD in Tasmania (December
2006) |
| |
Thankfully,
as at December 2007, populations in the western third of
the State remain healthy and viable.
While
it is uncommon for wildlife diseases to lead directly to
population extinction in the absence of other severe threats,
the Tasmanian devil disease is a new, unusual disease and
there is no hard evidence for population or individual resistance
or recovery from the disease. There is also a concern that
if the population is diminished, while numbers of the introduced
fox increase, it may be difficult for them ever to recover.
For more information go to www.dpiw.tas.gov.au
