In 2012, Tasmania moved 15 devils to Maria Island to protect the species from facial-tumour disease; after 28 were released by 2013, a 3,000-pair penguin colony disappeared
- The facial tumour had severely affected devil populations in many parts of TasmaniaIn 2012, 28 Tasmanian devils were brought to Maria Island off Tasmania’s east coast as an “insurance population” when facial tumour disease was severely affecting the species.
- The devils have since thrived, with their numbers reaching up to 90.
- But their success has been linked to a major decline in local wildlife, including the disappearance of a little penguin colony that once had about 3,000 breeding pairs.
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- The facial tumour had severely affected devil populations in many parts of TasmaniaIn 2012, 28 Tasmanian devils were brought to Maria Island off Tasmania’s east coast as an “insurance population” when facial tumour disease was severely affecting the species.
- The devils have since thrived, with their numbers reaching up to 90.
- But their success has been linked to a major decline in local wildlife, including the disappearance of a little penguin colony that once had about 3,000 breeding pairs.
Sources: Times of India