news, local-news, Save the Tasmanian Devil Program, Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary, National Threatened Species Day, Thylacine, Eastern Quoll, International Union for Conservation of Nature

Education will be key at one Tasmanian wildlife sanctuary this weekend, as Australia remembers the fate of the thylacine - and many other species like it. National Threatened Species Day is marked on September 7 each year, commemorating the death of the last known thylacine at the Hobart Zoo in 1936. Mole Creek's Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary will open its doors as usual this year, though specific attention will be given to their work to help species like the Tasmanian devil and eastern quolls. "[Our tours] will focus on what conservation programs we are running here, how we have contributed to helping threatened species, and certainly what it means going forward," said operations manager Darren Rumble. "For us that educational piece is really, really important." IN OTHER NEWS The sanctuary will mark 40 years of operation in December and is now nurturing its 19th generation of breeding devils. That family tree is recognised as a heritage population by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. But from climate change to deforestation, pollution and introduced species, vulnerable species like the devils face a number of threats in Tasmania. There are 36 vertebrate animals listed as endangered under the state's Threatened Species Protection Act. Many more invertebrates and plant species also feature. "It's really important that people get to understand and appreciate animals because if you don't, then you don't tend to care about animals and you don't make changes that are important," Mr Rumble said. ['You throw your hands up in horror': Lack of action on recovery plans leaves Tasmanian animals at risk, inquiry hears] Ahead of National Threatened Species Day, a new book will also offer an update on the campaign to save the devils from one particular threat - Devil Facial Tumour Disease. Saving the Tasmanian Devil: Recovery Through Science-based Management documents the journey of Save the Tasmanian Devil Program partner organisations over the past 15 years. "This includes captive devil populations, applied pathology, immunology and genetic research findings, adaptive management, and the importance of advocacy and partnerships," said Dr Carolyn Hogg, research manager of the Australasian Wildlife Genomics Group at the University of Sydney and co-editor of the book. "This book will provide management practitioners and conservation scientists with insight into the complexities of undertaking a program of this scale and will also be of value to researchers, students and others interested in conservation." A Senate inquiry into the rate of faunal extinction in Australia this year found the country requires new environmental laws and a new federal environment protection agency to be established. At Hobart-based hearings in February, the need for a coordinated approach to extinction and the impact of feral cats on endangered Tasmanian species was addressed. The state government released its first Cat Management Plan on Friday. Public consultation is open until October 4. While you're with us, you can now sign up to receive breaking news updates and daily headlines direct to your inbox. Sign up here.

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