2023-03-02
The Greens call for immediate Tasmanian devil population surveys in temdudheker/Woolnorth and on pilitika/Robbins Island, after very sad and shocking revelations today that devil facial tumour disease - responsible for wiping out 95% of the Tasmanian devil population - has been detected in an area of the state’s north west previously considered disease-free.
Quotes attributable to Greens Senator for lutruwita/Tasmania, Peter Whish-Wilson:
“This news is absolutely devastating. Tassie devils are only just clawing their way back from this horrendous disease, whilst also battling a myriad of other pressures such as becoming roadkill, land clearing, mining and logging.
“The Greens call for Tasmanian devil health surveys to be conducted urgently in and around the remaining temdudheker/Woolnorth populations and on the critical pilitika/Robbins Island, to help better inform conservation management plans.
“This shocking news adds urgency to acting on roadkill mitigation measures, such as reducing speed limits in the area, as agreed upon in the recent Circular Head Council meeting.
“My colleague Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP and I will be writing to the Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek today to bring this sad news to her attention. We will also seek urgent assistance for health and population surveys as part of the devil’s federal recovery plan and stress the need for increased focus on devil protection and conservation in this critical area.
“The Federal Government has responsibilities under the EPBC Act to help devils recover, but hasn’t committed a cent towards the devil’s recovery in the last five years and this needs to change.
“Abandoning the Tasmanian devil now, after so much time, money and love has been poured into keeping the treasured species alive and healthy, is a cruel death sentence."