The Tasmanian Devil breeding season has begun at the Australian Reptile Park. Tasmanian Devils are an endangered species, and last year saw 26 baby devils born which was the highest number of joeys born in captivity.

The female chooses the male and mating occurs over a 7 day period. She could have many partners if not guarded by the male, so he sprawls himself across the entrance of the den to prevent other unwelcome male visits, hence the term “mate guarding”. If she doesn’t get pregnant at first, she’ll have two more cycles before the end of June. If the attempt is successful, then after 21 days, around 30 tiny devils are born. The mother has only four teats, so only the first to arrive and fuse themselves to her survive. They will feed from their mother for six months, and then venture outside of the den in Spring, before becoming fully independent by December.

Last year’s babies are now in the crèche at Devil Ark and will be moved into free range enclosure when they reach breeding age next year. The female can rear up to four joeys a year for an average of three years.

Devil Ark is the largest breeding facility for the Tasmanian devil and is now home to almost 100 devils in large free range enclosures that mimic the natural landscape of their native Tasmania. With the insidious DFTD (Devil Facial Tumour Disease) now in the Tasmania’s North West, extinction in the wild seems inevitable. This information highlights the importance of mainland breeding facilities such as Devil Ark and zoos around Australian that share the goal of preserving this fascinating animal.

For information on the Australian Reptile Park please visit http://www.reptilepark.com.au/