Tasmanian devils introduced to Maria Island as an insurance population against facial tumour disease have thrived, reaching a population of up to 90 animals, but their success has coincided with the catastrophic collapse of local wildlife, including the total disappearance of a local penguin colony that once boasted approximately 3,000 breeding pairs, according to reports from ABC News and coverage compiled by the Science Times of India.
The 2012 Insurance Population Release on Maria Island
In 2012, conservationists transported 28 Tasmanian devils to Maria Island off Tasmania’s eastern coast. According to ABC News, the island had remained free of predators for thousands of years, creating a vital sanctuary for ground-nesting and flightless birds such as shearwaters, Cape Barren geese, the Tasmanian native hen, and little penguins. Officials established this isolated colony to protect the species from a devastating facial tumour disease that was ravaging mainland populations.
Disappearance of the 3,000-Pair Little Penguin Colony
As the devil population climbed toward 90 individuals, the island’s unique ecosystem experienced severe disruption. Eric Woehler of BirdLife Tasmania told ABC News that a survey conducted by Parks and Wildlife staff revealed every little penguin colony on Maria Island was empty. Before the introduction of the mammalian predators, Maria Island supported an estimated 3,000 pairs of little penguins—the smallest penguin species—giving them a secure breeding ground safe from feral cats and dogs.
Did you know? Little penguins are the smallest penguin species and rely heavily on predator-free coastal islands for safe breeding habitats away from mainland threats like feral dogs and cats.
Conservation Warnings and Government Response
Conservation groups had actively warned the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment prior to the 2012 release. According to Woehler, historical precedents showed that introducing predators to oceanic islands invariably triggers catastrophic impacts on native bird populations. “For the last 500 or more years, every time we’ve seen a deliberate or accidental introduction of a predator onto an oceanic island, the result has been the same—a catastrophic impact on one or more species of bird,” Woehler stated to ABC News.
In response, a spokesperson for the Tasmanian Government’s Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment defended the initiative, maintaining that Maria Island remains a cornerstone of the Save the Devil Program. The department noted that officials actively manage the devil population to mitigate ecological effects and emphasized that conservation programs must remain adaptive as scientific knowledge evolves.
Debate Over Future Management and Emerging Threats
While Woehler has called for the immediate removal of the devils to allow the penguins a chance to return, other experts argue against hasty relocations. Bruce Lyons, an expert on Tasmanian devil facial tumour disease, cautioned that removing the Maria Island population would be premature due to the emergence of a second, distinct tumour type. “There’s a second tumour type that’s arisen … and the effects of that, we really don’t know what will happen,” Lyons told ABC News, concluding that keeping the insurance population in place remains a prudent precautionary measure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were Tasmanian devils introduced to Maria Island?
In 2012, 28 Tasmanian devils were moved to Maria Island as an insurance population to protect the species from a severe outbreak of facial tumour disease.
What happened to the local wildlife on Maria Island?
According to surveys by Parks and Wildlife staff cited by BirdLife Tasmania, the established devil population has been linked to a major decline in local wildlife, most notably the complete disappearance of a colony containing an estimated 3,000 pairs of little penguins.
Are conservationists calling for the devils to be removed?
Yes, conservationists like Eric Woehler argue that mitigation measures failed and want the devils removed so penguins can return. However, disease experts like Bruce Lyons advise keeping them there temporarily because a second type of facial tumour has emerged.
What are your thoughts on balancing the survival of endangered predators with protecting isolated island ecosystems? Join the discussion in the comments below, explore our related wildlife conservation articles, and subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates.
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