An important part in the management of Devil Facial Tumour Disease is the insurance population of non-infected Tasmanian Devils created as a precaution against the spread of the disease in the wild.

Early in 2005, Young Devils from areas of the State where the disease has not been detected were taken to secure quarantine facilities and were monitored to ensure their disease free status.

In December 2006 and January 2007, 47 of these Devils (29 adults and 18 imps) were transferred to mainland Zoos and Wildlife park breeding programs. The 20 adults produced 14 offspring, this insurance population is hoped to be an invaluable genetic pool in the future.

The Tasmanian Devils in these "Noah Ark" shipments will be kept in strict quarantine at their new homes for at least a year, by which time it's hoped they will be cleared to breed with other captive devil populations. These animals could then be used, if ever needed, to re-populate mainland Tasmania.

Sadly, two adult devils that went to Currumbin Zoo in Queensland died within weeks of arrival. The cause of the deaths has not been determined.

In April 2007 Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary announced that one of the Tasmanian Devils was carrying up to four young in its pouch. This news is encouraging however more needs to be done to ensure the survival of this species. As a result 30 more young Tasmanian Devils have been captured in the North West of Tasmania in areas that are still disease free to be added to the insurance population.

These Devils, which have been in quarantine, are now due to be sent to their new homes. They will be will be transported to Western Plains Zoo, managed by the NSW Zoological Parks Board, and to the Australian Reptile Park in Gosford, NSW, which will be the largest breeding facility for Tasmania devils on the mainland.

There are currently no Tasmanian Devils on Tasmania's offshore islands and there is a possibility that Devil populations could be established there. All risks and potential problems, such as the impact it would have on the wildlife on the islands, are being researched and accessed before going ahead with the project.

In January 2008, 100 Tasmanian Devils from the North West of Tasmania will be captured and included in the insurance policy. Over the last few months scientist from the DPIW have been monitoring Devils in various locations in the North West to determine the best areas that are currently disease free to trap the Devils. Once captured these Devils will be housed under strict veterinary supervision in purpose-built quarantine enclosures.

Tthe Save the Tasmanian Devil Program has determined that we need an effective population size of around 500 breeding devils to maintain the genetic diversity of the species over a period of 10 to 20 years. This may mean having as many as 1,500 devils being intensively managed in captivity – a massive task.

"Project Ark" could be the Tasmanian Devils only chance of survival if scientist are unable to find a cure to this disease and the cause. It is predicted that the Tasmanian Devil could be extinct in the wild in as little as 20 years.

Reference
Information from the Devil Disease Program website for further information visit their website