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May, 2025
Hi,
We are already well into 2025 - and what a year it's been so far. In this edition of Devils' Advocate, we’ll take you behind the scenes with our researchers and field teams working hard to protect this species. We will also showcase a spectacular fundraising event and tell you all about a very special long-term small business supporter.
Thanks to your support, we're making significant strides—funding critical research, safeguarding wild populations, and giving the next generation of Tasmanian devils a real chance at survival. However, our work is far from over. Despite recent successes, it's vital to challenge the notion that Tasmania's devils are safe and thriving. There is still much to do to ensure their future remains secure.
Together, we must keep raising awareness that the fight against DFTD continues. Tell your friends, share your stories, and encourage others to join. With your voice and generosity, we’ll continue to make a difference.
Thank you
Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal
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A devilishly clever invention
In January this year, our devil vaccine team kicked off an exciting pilot trial on beautiful Maria Island on the east coast of Tasmania. The trial tested a brand-new automatic bait dispenser designed to help deliver oral vaccines to wild devils.
The dispenser is the brainchild of Prithul Chaturvedi, who’s developing it as part of his PhD research, which is supported by generous philanthropists.
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It’s a smart little machine, using a built-in microprocessor to take photos and work out if a Tasmanian devil is in the frame. If it spots a devil, it turns a carousel and drops a tasty, vaccine-laden bait.
Even better, it’s connected to the internet, so the team can keep tabs on devil visits and bait drops in real time from a mobile phone or computer — no need to trek out to the field to check on it.
During the trial, a few curious devils took the bait, and the pilot helped us identify a few tweaks to make before it’s ready for wider use, like improving the camera resolution and boosting battery life.
Those upgrades are already underway, and we’re planning more trials across Tasmania later this year. It’s early days, but this clever device could one day play a big role in helping protect devils in the wild.
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The mean, keen vaccine team: Prithul Chaturvedi (PhD student), Chrissie Ong, AiMei Chang (no longer at UTAS), Tom Walsh (PhD student), Andy Flies, Jocelyn Darby and Anuk Kruawan
It's only thanks to our community that we can keep progressing this work. You can help today by forwarding this newsletter to someone who may be interested in hearing more about the Tasmanian devil. They can sign up below.
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Wine, Walks & Wagging Tails for a Cause
It was a picture-perfect day in the Coal River Valley for Wine and Woofs, hosted by the wonderful Paul and Lynda Williams — and their delightful dog Maeve.
Paul and Lynda have opened their stunning vineyard property four times a year for over ten years now - raising funds for animal welfare organisations across the state.
Over 50 guests and their dogs enjoyed a relaxed 2 km stroll through the beautiful landscape. Guests were invited to sample Wobby Boot vineyard’s wildlife-safe, ethically produced wines.
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Our research veterinarian Dr Ruth Pye shared the latest updates on the journey toward a vaccine for devil facial tumour disease — the very research this event will help to fund.
The day was a great success. With over 50 tickets sold and donations on the day, participants raised $1,200. Every cent supports vital research into saving our iconic Tasmanian devil.
Thanks to everyone who came along — paws and all — for a fantastic day out!
You can check out Wobbly Boot Vineyard here, or send Paul and Lynda an email if you'd like to sign up to find out about their fabulous events: wobblybootvineyard@bigpond.com
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Photography by Rachael Daniels!
We had the pleasure of meeting Rachael at the Wobbly Boot event.
A talented photographer, Rachael specialises in pet portraiture. Not only does she have an eye for the perfect pooch pose, she donated the full $15 for digital images purchased by proud dog owners on the day.
Thank you Rachael!
If you would like to find out more about Linda and her work, you can find her on Facebook, or email her at rachaeldphotography@iinet.net.au
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Cheeky Devil Coffee Roasters: Brewing Hope for Tasmanian Devils
For 7 years, Clive Aver and his wife, Robyn, have been steadfast supporters of the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal.
As the heart and soul behind Cheeky Devil Coffee Roasters, this dynamic duo has not only provided Hobartians with exceptional coffee but has also contributed generously to the conservation of our Tasmanian devil.
From their vibrant stall at Salamanca Market, Clive and Robyn's passion for both coffee and wildlife shines through. Their commitment to the Tasmanian devil is truly inspiring, with over $11,400 donated to the appeal over the years. These contributions have directly supported critical research and conservation programs, helping to combat the devastating effects of Devil Facial Tumour Disease.
Cheeky Devil Coffee Roasters' generosity embodies the spirit of community and the power of local businesses to make a real difference. Whether it's through a steaming cup of their expertly roasted beans or their unwavering dedication to wildlife preservation, Clive and Robyn remind us all that even the smallest acts of kindness can ripple into profound change.
Next time you find yourself wandering through Salamanca Market, be sure to visit Clive and Robyn's stall. Enjoy a delicious brew, share a chat, and know that every sip supports the future of our cheeky, endangered devils. You can also check out their online store here: cheekydevilcoffee.com.au
Below left: Clive Aver and his brew (named after his kids!) and Right: Lucy the Roasting Assistant
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Tracking DFT2: How AI and innovation are saving Tasmania's devils
In a groundbreaking effort to combat the spread of Devil Facial Tumour 2 (DFT2), researcher Rodrigo Hamede Ross and his team have taken monitoring to new heights. With 100 camera traps strategically deployed across the Huon Valley and Kingborough council areas, the team is harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to protect one of Tasmania’s most iconic species.
These camera traps are just the beginning. The thousands of images they capture are swiftly catalogued and archived in a dedicated database, offering invaluable insights into devil populations and the spread of DFT2. This data allows researchers to pinpoint areas where the disease is most prevalent with remarkable precision.
Armed with this information, the team can schedule highly targeted live-trapping surveys. These surveys are essential for collecting genetic material from devils and tumours, giving scientists the tools they need to better understand the disease — and how devils are responding to it.
Below left: Rodrigo and field research assistant Morgan Humphrey and right: Rodrigo assesses a devil for signs of DFT2
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This innovative approach - combining AI-driven monitoring with hands-on fieldwork - is a game-changer. It’s not only cost-effective but also delivers near real-time insights into how DFT2 is moving across the landscape, helping conservation efforts stay agile, adaptive, and impactful.
Every image. Every observation. Every breakthrough. Each one brings us a step closer to protecting the future of the Tasmanian devil.
But none of it would be possible without you. Thanks to the incredible support of donors to the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal, researchers like Rodrigo and his team have the tools and technology they need to drive real change. Your generosity is fuelling innovation, empowering critical research, and giving Tasmania’s devils a genuine fighting chance.
Because of you, there’s real hope on the horizon for these hardy, resilient creatures — and for the wild places they call home.
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Save the Tasmanian Devil Day
On April 1, we celebrated the second Tasmanian Devil Awareness Day. This initiative was kicked off in 2024 by our friends at Ballarat Wildlife Park.
We asked our Facebook community to share images and stories about the devil. And what a fabulous selection we have! Here is a small sample:
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Thank you to everyone who took part. Keep an eye out for next years call out for pictures and stories!
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Introducing our Threatened Species appeal
We know that you care about the Tasmanian devil and the challenges of Devil Facial Tumour disease.
But this island is home to so many more rare and remarkable species — and right now, many of them are facing battles of their own.
That’s why this year, we’re proud to introduce our new Threatened Species Appeal. It’s a campaign that shines a light on the devil’s story - and on the stories of some of its extraordinary neighbours.
- There’s the Eastern quoll, Australia’s fiercest little carnivore, known for its beautiful dappled coat and secretive ways.
- The Maugean skate, a shy, ancient species found nowhere else in the world but the dark waters of Tasmania’s west coast.
- The red handfish, so rare that fewer than a hundred individuals survive today, "walking" across the seafloor on their bright red fins.
- Giant kelp forests — once mighty underwater jungles — now struggling against warming oceans and changing currents.
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Each species is unique. Each is precious. And each reminds us that protecting Tasmania’s wild future is more important than ever.
Your support for the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal has already made an incredible difference. Now, we’d love you to be part of the next chapter - helping all of Tasmania’s threatened species thrive.
Sign up here to hear more about these incredible creatures. As a thank you, we’ll send you a sticker featuring your favourite species. Don't worry, we won't tell the devils if you select something else :)
Together, we can give them all a fighting chance.
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