Crucial Tassie devil breeding program hit by NSW floods
Aussie Ark wildlife sanctuary was struck by floodwaters in the NSW crisis but its population of 200 endangered Tasmanian devils is safe and well after heroic efforts by staff and first responders
READING LEVEL:
The nation’s Tassie devil population has survived a near disaster, after the biggest interstate captive breeding* program for the endangered* species was hit by the NSW flood crisis.
Aussie Ark wildlife sanctuary* chief operations officer, Amanda Woodbine, said only 15 devils had to be moved from their population of 200.
“No animals have been lost among the sanctuary’s population of Tasmanian devils, eastern quolls, koalas, brush-tailed rock-wallabies, rufous bettongs*, parma wallabies or potoroos,” she said.
“We are very lucky.”
Aussie Ark in the Barrington Tops area of NSW established Tasmanian devils in 2011 and have 15 huge intensive breeding yards.
Regarded as a world leader in breeding and rewilding* Australia’s most endangered species, Ms Woodbine said the sanctuary breeds between 30 and 50 Tasmanian devils every year.
Aussie Ark said the floodwaters struck sanctuary enclosures*, washed out access roads and caused major damage to critical fencing that keeps endangered wildlife safe.
The organisation said all animals, including the devils, were accounted for and in good condition, with staff working around the clock and taking measures to keep the animals safe, dry and secure.
More than 400mm of rain was recorded in the area in recent days and another 100mm was forecast overnight on Thursday.
Aussie Ark managing director Tim Faulkner said wildlife was being carefully relocated to the sanctuary’s brand-new veterinary block, while enclosures were repaired and the weather eased.
He said with regular supply chains disrupted by floodwaters, a fruit and vegetable drop was being co-ordinated to ensure animals continued to receive the nutrition they needed.
Mr Faulkner said an emergency team from the Australian Reptile Park was providing extra support.
“Our teams are working day in and day out, mending fences and repairing damage, only for the relentless rain to knock everything over again,” he said.
“It’s a constant battle, but we are determined to keep going and protect every single animal in our care.”
The scale of the damage is still being assessed, but Mr Faulkner said it was clear that the recovery and rebuild would be significant.
A flood appeal has been launched to assist with critical repair work, with generous support already coming in from key partners such as Re:wild and WildArk.
Aussie Ark was grateful, Mr Faulkner said, for the incredible support from the public, the sanctuary’s partners and emergency responders during this difficult time.
For more information head to bit.ly/FloodRebuild
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GLOSSARY
- captive breeding: breeding wild animals in controlled environments like zoos and wildlife parks
- endangered: plant and animal species who are not doing very well
- sanctuary: a place where birds and/or animals can live and be protected, especially from being hunted or dangerous conditions
- rufous bettongs: largest of the potoroids, with shaggy grey fur with a rufous or reddish brown tinge on top and pale grey underparts and tail
- rewilding: protecting an environment and returning it to its natural state
- enclosures: safe areas for animals surrounded by a fence or other structure
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QUICK QUIZ
- How many Tasmanian devils had to be moved due to the NSW floods?
- What is the sanctuary’s total devil population?
- How many breeding yards does the sanctuary have?
- How many devils do they breed at Aussie Ark each year?
- In which three areas did the floodwaters strike the sanctuary?
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CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
1. Research project
Complete some research about Tasmanian devils and present your information in an engaging way. Your final product could be a poster, a slide-show, a diorama, an oral presentation or another format of your choice.
Possible questions you could aim to answer through your presentation include:
How has the Tasmanian devil population changed over time?
What factors have led to Tasmanian devils becoming endangered?
Beyond the work of Aussie Ark, what other efforts are being made to protect Tasmanian devils?
Time: allow 1 hour+ to complete this activity
Curriculum Links: English, Science, Sustainability
2. Extension
Create a design for an ideal Tasmanian devil enclosure. Label at least 5 key features of the habitat with a short explanation of why each feature is needed.
Time: allow 20 minutes to complete this activity
Curriculum Links: English; Science; Sustainability
VCOP ACTIVITY
I spy nouns
Nouns are places, names (of people and objects), and time (months or days of the week).
How many nouns can you find in the article?
Can you sort them into places, names and time?
Pick three nouns and add an adjective (describing word) to the nouns.
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