TASMANIAN devil numbers on Maria Island have more than doubled, prompting increased tourist visitation to the region.
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The Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service confirmed on Friday that 79 devils now inhabited the East Coast island, two years after 28 devils were released there to boost disease-free numbers in the wild.
Maria Island Ferry Service co-owner Anne Cole-Cook said they experienced a bumper summer.
"The quick answer is yes, we have seen more tourists coming to Maria Island," she said.
"Tourists always want to come and see Australian wildlife."
A Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment spokeswoman said the Maria Island devil release program had seen outstanding success.
"Latest monitoring indicates that the estimated population of devils on Maria Island is 79, with a possible range of 70 to 96 animals," she said.
"This data is from the most recent trapping trip in April 2015.
"The male to female ratio is generally 50:50 but as of the last survey there is a slight bias towards numbers of males.
"In April, 19 pouch young were detected, meaning there has been a third successful breeding season on the island."
The release program has all but guaranteed the survival of the species in the wild in Tasmania.
- CHRIS CLARKE
