Tasmanian devil research

RESEARCH OVERVIEW

The Tasmanian devil, Australia's largest marsupial carnivore, is endangered due to Devil Facial Tumor disease (DFTD). Tasmanian devil numbers have plummeted since emergence of DFTD. The threat of extinction of this marsupial that is only found in Tasmania resulted in the species being listed as endangered (Red List IUCN) and the establishment of the Save the Devil Program (Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment Tasmania - DPIPWE).

In collaboration with DPIPWE and members of the captive breeding program we are examining the prevalence and diversity of parasites in wild devils and those being bred in captivity for release.

We are investigating questions associated with:

• Response of parasite communities to captive management.

• Transmission of human-associated pathogens to Tasmanian devils

• Spatial and temporal changes in parasite communities and commensal bacteria

• Preserving the diversity of parasites specific to Tasmanian devils

• Parasite and bacterial diversity

  • Cryptosporidium sp.

  • Giardia sp.

  • Escherichia coli

Collaborators: Samantha fox and Sarah Peck (Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment Tasmania)