Conservation

IUCN Status and Protections

The IUCN has stated that Tasmanian Devils are endangered. Although, they also have different plans and strategies in place to try to prevent the extinction of this species. Currently, IUCN has an insurance populations strategy they are using to try to help repopulate devils. The goal of the insurance populations strategy is to isolate healthy devils from ill devils and rebuild the population. Their ultimate goal is to rebuild a population of 150 healthy individuals to 500 healthy individuals in one area. IUCN is not only doing this strategy in the wild, but they are also doing it with captive populations as well. Not only are they working with repopulating the species, but IUCN is also doing what they can for disease suppression. There is research in progress that is being done to determine resistant genotypes to Devil Facial Tumor Disease in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). With this research it will allow scientists to determine how they can help prevent the spread of this disease. Evidence suggests that DFTD is caused by lack of diversity, hence, where the insurance populations come into play.

Why Should Devils Be IUCN Priority?

IUCN is already working on preventing Tasmanian Devils from becoming extinct, but why should devils be priority? Tasmanian Devils are native to Tasmania and are an endemic species. Thus meaning, they are solely located in Tasmania. Not only is this species endemic, but they are also a keystone species. If Tasmanian Devils were to become extinct this could cause the collapse of ecosystems and their niches. The food chain would be disrupted and collapse and in turn would cause a lack of ecosystem diversity.

Causes of Declining Populations

There are many reasons that the Tasmanian Devil species is rapidly declining.

• Devil Facial Tumor Disease

• Vehicular Trauma (road kills)

• Dog kills

• Foxes

• Hunting/persecution

• Low genetic diversity

Mediation and Support