Why is the Tasmanian Devil so important and what can we do to save them?
Why is it so important for the Tasmanian Devil to stay alive
in the wild?
Tasmania is already seeing preliminary signs of changes in the landscape from the rapidly decreasing Tasmanian devil population, impacting agricultural industries as well as the environment.
The swiftly diminishing devil numbers means that there are now ample amounts of surplus carrion, and that other carnivores are already responding to that surplus. These ‘amounts’ of surplus add up to roughly 100 tonnes per day, and this number is increasing as devil numbers decline even further. One of the biggest threats is posed by introduced, intrusive species such as the cat or dog, which now have expansive opportunities for major population increase.
The most significant change of all is the fox threat that Tasmania is facing. Tasmanian Devils have previously acted as a safeguard to the fox population increase establishment. With the rapid decline of numbers of the Tasmanian Devil, this previous buffer is put at risk.
The problem with a fully established fox population is the extent at which so many other native species are endangered. The population would prey on at the very least 70 vertebrates, directly endangering roughly 10% of those vertebrates directly. The annual cost of controlling the fox population could rise up to $20 million, and this figure already includes the continuing damage done to our ecosystem, industries and tourism and market image.
Tasmania is already seeing preliminary signs of changes in the landscape from the rapidly decreasing Tasmanian devil population, impacting agricultural industries as well as the environment.
The swiftly diminishing devil numbers means that there are now ample amounts of surplus carrion, and that other carnivores are already responding to that surplus. These ‘amounts’ of surplus add up to roughly 100 tonnes per day, and this number is increasing as devil numbers decline even further. One of the biggest threats is posed by introduced, intrusive species such as the cat or dog, which now have expansive opportunities for major population increase.
The most significant change of all is the fox threat that Tasmania is facing. Tasmanian Devils have previously acted as a safeguard to the fox population increase establishment. With the rapid decline of numbers of the Tasmanian Devil, this previous buffer is put at risk.
The problem with a fully established fox population is the extent at which so many other native species are endangered. The population would prey on at the very least 70 vertebrates, directly endangering roughly 10% of those vertebrates directly. The annual cost of controlling the fox population could rise up to $20 million, and this figure already includes the continuing damage done to our ecosystem, industries and tourism and market image.
How can we protect the Tasmanian Devil?
You can donate money to organisations and zoos to help feed and house devils, by going online to websites that protect Tasmanian Devils, deliver money by mail, in person, or at collection stands.
If you are interested you could run fundraisers in your school, street, local community, anywhere. You could give information out and ask for donations, or you could sell things and the profits could go to the Tasmanian Devils. You could then get in touch with organisations and make a donation raised from your fundraising. You could give out flyers on the street to get people to know about why it is important to protect the Devil.
You could sponsor events coming up at zoos, or official events to raise awareness. Additionally you can purchase products and support the sponsors!
You could also become a partner of Tasmanian Devil conservation organisations, providing resources and funds.
The main fundraiser for the Tasmanian Devil is the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal, and by making a donation, organising a fundraiser or doing all the other things that could make a difference, you are helping save an iconic Australian species from extinction. 100% of the money will go to research towards a vaccine for DFTF and management.
If you are interested in donating or making a difference, visit this link to the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal's website: http://www.tassiedevil.com.au/tasdevil.nsf/ but there are plenty more websites and organisations out there.
Even a small step can make a huge difference towards a safe and happy future for Tasmanian Devils. Imagine if everyone donated $5 - not a lot of money to us but it can go a long way. If you would like these adorable little Australian icon to still be around for your children and grand-children to see, do something and make a difference!
You can donate money to organisations and zoos to help feed and house devils, by going online to websites that protect Tasmanian Devils, deliver money by mail, in person, or at collection stands.
If you are interested you could run fundraisers in your school, street, local community, anywhere. You could give information out and ask for donations, or you could sell things and the profits could go to the Tasmanian Devils. You could then get in touch with organisations and make a donation raised from your fundraising. You could give out flyers on the street to get people to know about why it is important to protect the Devil.
You could sponsor events coming up at zoos, or official events to raise awareness. Additionally you can purchase products and support the sponsors!
You could also become a partner of Tasmanian Devil conservation organisations, providing resources and funds.
The main fundraiser for the Tasmanian Devil is the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal, and by making a donation, organising a fundraiser or doing all the other things that could make a difference, you are helping save an iconic Australian species from extinction. 100% of the money will go to research towards a vaccine for DFTF and management.
If you are interested in donating or making a difference, visit this link to the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal's website: http://www.tassiedevil.com.au/tasdevil.nsf/ but there are plenty more websites and organisations out there.
Even a small step can make a huge difference towards a safe and happy future for Tasmanian Devils. Imagine if everyone donated $5 - not a lot of money to us but it can go a long way. If you would like these adorable little Australian icon to still be around for your children and grand-children to see, do something and make a difference!