In 2020, “Lisa” and 10 others Tasmanian Devil They were reintroduced to mainland Australia after becoming extinct in the region about 3,000 years ago. Now Lisa has given birth to triplets, the first since the species disappeared in that area, adding to the growing population of these tiny marsupials.
All 11 individuals were released by Australian Ark in an event with partners Re:Wild, WildArk and the Australian Reptile Park, which was attended by actors Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky.
“While we were in the midst of routine health checks from Satan, we were overjoyed to learn that Lisa had a baby,” Tim Faulkner, CEO of Aussie Ark, said in a statement. “This is the first confirmed birth of 2023, and once again evidence that our breeding and reintroduction program is working.”
Tasmanian devils are the largest carnivorous marsupials living today, but they were overtaken by dingoes in Australia about 3,000 years ago. They are present on the island of Tasmania, but are also at risk of extinction there. A communicable, painful and fatal disease called Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD), the only known contagious cancer, decimated up to 90 percent of the species’ wild population.
The reintroduction of devils also helps control invasive feral cats and foxes whose presence in Australia threatens other endemic and endangered species. They are also clean animals, so as scavengers they help keep their territory clean and disease free.
“This is a great example of how a species can rebuild an entire ecosystem by returning to its wild home.”said Janice Chanson, Re:wild’s senior species conservation associate. “This is particularly important for tackling climate change and biodiversity loss, and for improving the overall health of our planet. The Australian Arch also provides a model for how we can effectively rebuild struggling ecosystems around the world.” can do.”
Ahead of a further reintroduction beyond the sanctuary, Australian Ark plans to reintroduce more species that will help restore the ecosystem’s natural balance: eastern quolls, brush-tailed rock-wallabies, rufous Betongs, Long-nosed Potrous, Parma Wallabies and Bandicoots. ,
