Thanks to the largest breeding program in Australia, we welcome 10 baby Tasmanian devils so far, and more are to come! Watch this video about the Tasmanian devil babies. Image via David Clode/ Unsplash.
Tasmanian devils may have a fearsome name, but they’re generally harmless. They once used to live all across Australia, but now they’re only found on the island of Tasmania. But wildlife sanctuaries and a breeding program on the mainland are helping the devil population recover. On June 5, 2025, the conservation group Aussie Ark said they have 10 baby Tasmanian devils so far this season with more on the way.
The Tasmanian devil isn’t so demonic
Tasmanian devils have a peculiar name. They are so named because their ears appear red against the light, they have many sharp teeth, and at night they make terrifying noises to scare away predators. However, that’s where the terror ends.
These small, chunky animals are carnivorous marsupials that feed on meat but pose no threat to humans. On the contrary! Since they also feed on carrion, they leave behind an environment free of diseases.
So Tasmanian devils may have a fearsome name, but they’re actually a small treasure that is, unfortunately, in danger of extinction.
The devil in danger
Tasmanian devils once lived on the Australian mainland, but they currently reside only on the island of Tasmania. These creatures have been losing territory due to human activities, and they have also been hunted and poisoned since the 1800s. Farmers thought Tasmanian devils posed a danger to livestock. However, there has never been any real evidence, but rumors have continued over time.
They are also often hit by cars, attacked by dogs, and, tragically, they suffer from a facial cancer (DFTD) that is contagious among the devils. This cancer has provoked a local population decline of 90% since its emergence 20 years ago. Scientists have been working on an edible bait to deliver a vaccine to the devils. Also, the Aussie Ark project began a breeding and release in wildlife sanctuaries in Australia. In particular, at the Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary in northern New South Wales, Aussie Ark has established a protected area where animals like the devils can safely breed.
The conservationists occasionally capture the Tasmanian devils for medical checkups and to administer any necessary medications. Operations manager Dean Reid told The Guardian:
While we have the females, we do a full health check, we’re doing body scores, weight checks, and giving them preventatives.
Successful breeding program
Tasmanian devils mate over three cycles, from February to June, and gestation lasts 21 days. After the first inspection of these marsupials’ pouches this year, conservationists counted 10 baby joeys. However, these babies are part of the first and second reproductive cycles, so some of the females should produce more pups in the third cycle later this month.
Conservationists believe that up to four more devils may conceive in June, during the last reproductive window of the year. On the other hand, there was one female they couldn’t capture who may also be a mother. According to Reid:
We’ve got four more females that didn’t have them and one we missed, so more joeys to come.
Great news for the Tasmanian devil and the world
Aussie Ark made the announcement on June 5, during World Environment Day. This effort proves we can make a difference for animals that need our help. According to Reid:
It’s really amazing to be able to handle a devil … and see those amazing devils come out of the pouch. In a couple of months, we’re going to see little tiny joeys running around.
Bottom line: The Tasmanian devil population is increasing thanks to the largest breeding program in Australia. We gladly welcome 10 joeys on the first count this year.
Read more: Koalas are our cute and furry lifeform of the week
The post Tasmanian devil population increases with breeding program first appeared on EarthSky.
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Thanks to the largest breeding program in Australia, we welcome 10 baby Tasmanian devils so far, and more are to come! Watch this video about the Tasmanian devil babies. Image via David Clode/ Unsplash.
Tasmanian devils may have a fearsome name, but they’re generally harmless. They once used to live all across Australia, but now they’re only found on the island of Tasmania. But wildlife sanctuaries and a breeding program on the mainland are helping the devil population recover. On June 5, 2025, the conservation group Aussie Ark said they have 10 baby Tasmanian devils so far this season with more on the way.
The Tasmanian devil isn’t so demonic
Tasmanian devils have a peculiar name. They are so named because their ears appear red against the light, they have many sharp teeth, and at night they make terrifying noises to scare away predators. However, that’s where the terror ends.
These small, chunky animals are carnivorous marsupials that feed on meat but pose no threat to humans. On the contrary! Since they also feed on carrion, they leave behind an environment free of diseases.
So Tasmanian devils may have a fearsome name, but they’re actually a small treasure that is, unfortunately, in danger of extinction.
The devil in danger
Tasmanian devils once lived on the Australian mainland, but they currently reside only on the island of Tasmania. These creatures have been losing territory due to human activities, and they have also been hunted and poisoned since the 1800s. Farmers thought Tasmanian devils posed a danger to livestock. However, there has never been any real evidence, but rumors have continued over time.
They are also often hit by cars, attacked by dogs, and, tragically, they suffer from a facial cancer (DFTD) that is contagious among the devils. This cancer has provoked a local population decline of 90% since its emergence 20 years ago. Scientists have been working on an edible bait to deliver a vaccine to the devils. Also, the Aussie Ark project began a breeding and release in wildlife sanctuaries in Australia. In particular, at the Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary in northern New South Wales, Aussie Ark has established a protected area where animals like the devils can safely breed.
The conservationists occasionally capture the Tasmanian devils for medical checkups and to administer any necessary medications. Operations manager Dean Reid told The Guardian:
While we have the females, we do a full health check, we’re doing body scores, weight checks, and giving them preventatives.
Successful breeding program
Tasmanian devils mate over three cycles, from February to June, and gestation lasts 21 days. After the first inspection of these marsupials’ pouches this year, conservationists counted 10 baby joeys. However, these babies are part of the first and second reproductive cycles, so some of the females should produce more pups in the third cycle later this month.
Conservationists believe that up to four more devils may conceive in June, during the last reproductive window of the year. On the other hand, there was one female they couldn’t capture who may also be a mother. According to Reid:
We’ve got four more females that didn’t have them and one we missed, so more joeys to come.
Great news for the Tasmanian devil and the world
Aussie Ark made the announcement on June 5, during World Environment Day. This effort proves we can make a difference for animals that need our help. According to Reid:
It’s really amazing to be able to handle a devil … and see those amazing devils come out of the pouch. In a couple of months, we’re going to see little tiny joeys running around.
Bottom line: The Tasmanian devil population is increasing thanks to the largest breeding program in Australia. We gladly welcome 10 joeys on the first count this year.
Read more: Koalas are our cute and furry lifeform of the week
The post Tasmanian devil population increases with breeding program first appeared on EarthSky.
from EarthSky https://ift.tt/wYpKSBH
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