The wild population of Tasmanian devils has been devastated by facial tumour disease. Pictures: SAM ROSEWARNE
DISEASE-FREE Tasmanian devils will travel to Maria Island today in an effort to safeguard the wild population from extinction.
State Environment Minister Brian Wightman said it was one of the most significant national conservation projects ever undertaken for a single species.
It is hoped the island -- a former penal settlement off Triabunna on Tasmania's East Coast -- will provide a safe haven for the endangered Tasmanian devil.
Wild devil numbers have been massively depleted by a deadly facial tumour disease.
Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke said the translocation program was a "method of last resort".
"It's part of making sure the Tasmanian devil never goes the way of the Tasmanian tiger," he said.
The 14 devils will be subjected to a long-term monitoring program run by the Tasmanian Government.
They have been sourced from "insurance populations" in Tasmania and interstate and were selected by the Zoo and Aquarium Association for their genetic suitability and behavioural traits.
A Save the Tasmanian Devil spokesman said Maria Island was selected for the rescue mission after extensive surveys and assessments of Tasmania's offshore islands.
"Maria Island has many potential benefits for devils compared with the potential impacts such an introduction may have," he said.
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