DFTD was first observed in the mid-1990s and it is believed that over the last ten years a third to half of the wild devil population has been lost to the disease. The proportion of animals displaying signs of the disease at any one site has reached up to 83% of trapped adults.

The concern from an ecological point of view is that with reduced populations of Tasmanian devils there is opportunity for predating species such as foxes and feral cats to take over the territory, affecting the diversity of organisms associated with Tasmanian Devils. 

Zoos Victoria's Conservation Field Partners

The ‘Save the Tasmanian Devil’ program in Tasmania is a collaborative plan funded by the Australian and Tasmanian governments and is overseen by a steering committee consisting of government stakeholders, the University of Tasmania, non-government stakeholders and experts. 

Suzuki Australia has announced its commitment to saving the Tasmanian Devil through a partnership with Zoos Victoria. Suzuki will donate funds from the sale of every Suzuki SUV to help save the Tasmanian Devil and provide uniquely branded Grand Vitaras to help raise awareness of the plight of Tasmanian Devils.