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	The Devil Island Project This is now a partnership between the Save the Tasmanian Devil programme run by DPIPWE and the government and the Devil Island Project Inc. The original Devil Island (DI) at East Coast Natureworld has proved successful and three others are now in the process of being built. These will bring another 180 acres into the scheme. Future ones are being planned to be 200 acres each. DI's are virtual islands as areas of land enclosed by two perimeter fences rather than water, sometimes refered to as FRE's (Free Range Enclosures). Enclosed by a double fence system to protect them from DFTD the devils are provided with optimum welfare conditions for devils to virtually run free and learn natural behaviour. Much has already been learned about managing such an extensive method of keeping a carnivourus marsupial and getting them to breed successfully. The devils on DI one have entered their second breeding season.

What is DFTD? The Tasmanian Devil disease appears to be a new condition that is restricted to Tasmanian devils.

No affected animals were reported among the 2000-plus Tasmanian devils trapped by wildlife biologists between 1964 and 1995.

Once the cancer becomes visible, it always appears to be fatal - usually within several months.

Small lesions, or lumps, in and around the mouth quickly develop into large tumours on the face and neck (and sometimes other parts of the body).

Tasmanian devils with facial tumours find it difficult to eat. Death results from starvation and the breakdown of body functions.

In diseased areas, nearly all the Tasmanian devils that are sexually mature (older than two years of age) become infected and succumb to the disease.

Juveniles as young as one year old can also be infected.