In 2012, 28 Tasmanian devils were introduced to Maria Island as an insurance population against facial tumour disease. The devils thrived, reaching up to 90, but experts say their presence came at a heavy cost to local wildlife. A survey later found Maria Island’s little penguin colonies had disappeared, wiping out an estimated 3,000 breeding pairs.
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Tasmania moved devils to Maria Island; 3,000-pair penguin colony disappeared
- by The News Vista
- September 13, 2026
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- 2 hours ago

