G'DAY MATES
There is a problem in Tasmania and you can help!

The problem is the possible extinction of the 'Tasmanian Devil" from the planet!  

Tasmania is a small island State of Australia and has some of the most beautiful and unique wildlife in all of the world. Its air is the cleanest on record and the rainforests; rivers; and mountains make it one of the most special places you would ever want to visit.
  However, one of the unique animals of this island is on the verge of extinction because of a cancer/tumor that is killing off the population.  In only ten years, the numbers of tassie devils has gone from over 180,000 animals, to a guess of less than 40,000.
It is predicted that within 5 years, they could be gone entirely.

So what is the problem?
  Basically, it is a cancer being passed from one devil to another. The cause of the tumor has not been determined, but it is proven that the devils pass it to each other. This is done through contact, mainly in their facial areas.  Like puppies, the devils like to nip each other on the mouth, or snarl or sniff or touch each other on the mouth.  When this happens, if the devil is infected, he will pass on the disease to another devil.  This causes huge grotesque tumors and sores to appear, making it painful for the devil to eat or drink water.  He then dies a slow painful death from starvation.(We have chosen not to show any photos of the infected/diseased devil on this website because of the graphic nature of the photos and if you love animals and wildlife, you would be very moved and sympathetic. You can email us for a photo or to a site that shows a dying devil:)
 
Is there any hope?
  There is always hope. Right now, monies are being raised for research on ways to stop the disease.
  In addition, there are many good wildlife parks and preserves, helping to protect existing devils and keeping "pure" ones in their parks.
  Zoos across the world are taking in pairs of devils in hopes of trying to raise and breed them in captivity in a rush effort to stop the elimination of the specie.
  While many think this is a problem just for Australia, its really a problem for the world, anytime a specie is wiped out or disappears.  For Tasmania, it would completely upset its animal and eco system with the elimination of  the devil, allowing the fox to take over and set in motion a series of events that would harm all of Tasmania.

What can you do?
  You have taken the first step by visiting our website and learning about the problem.  Your next step is to talk to others about it and make more people aware of it.
  All of us have heard of Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter, who ran the Australia Zoo. He created a program in which he wanted all of us to become "Wildlife Warriors".  This program still exists and is growing and we encourage you to learn about it. We all must work together to preserve and save the wildlife on this planet.
  One way you can make people aware is to buy some "Save the Tasmanian Devil" bracelets mentioned elsewhere on this website. Proceeds help promote this website and support research  for finding a cure.
  Another way is to contact one of the three Australian Travel Consultants listed in this website for more information or to help you plan a trip to Australia so you can witness first hand the beauty of a devil as well as seeing the other very unique wildlife of all Australia.

I recently got back from doing some devil research in Tasmania and can tell you from first hand experience, these lovable cute creatures deserve our support and all the efforts being made by many groups and organizations to help keep them alive. Plean join me and my mates in this worthy endeavor!

Cheers-
Dr. Matt Welch
Save the Tasmanian Devil. org    


SUMMER 2010-
Here is some of the latest news on what is happening with Devils.
  There is good news and there is bad news.  The good news is that they actually think they may have found a gene in some devils that results in those devils being able to get the dreaded disease. Its only an early stage, but its the first time they have been able to determine or isolate a certain gene.  This was the news as of April.
  The bad news?  The area of devils that have been infected has grown to almost 80% of the island has been exposed to the disease. This is very tragic news.  The percentage of the devil population that has disappeared is almost 60% and growing. This is quite a bit higher than when I started this website.
  More good news-
Through the efforts of this website; more educated wildlife advocates; and people working to help the devils, over $50,000 has been raised to help with research and creating awareness campaigns to Save the Devils. Good on ya and thanks for your support!  

AUSTRALIA
TRAVEL EXPERTS  &
CONSULTANTS

working together to help save the
Tassie Devils!

Who are we?
We are Australia Travel Experts and Consultants, certified by Tourism Australia  and various State Travel Organizations in Australia to help promote travel to Australia. To receive this certification, we take lengthy webinars and coursework; complete exams; and visit Australia on a regular basis. To learn more about us, read further in this website where it says: TRAVEL EXPERTS.
  We have come together as a group to help make you aware of the plight of
the Devils and to provide you opportunities to get
involved too!