Tasmanian devil siblings, Bitsy and Bonny have found their way back to each other in the wild.
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In September 2020, conservation organisation Aussie Ark released 26 Tasmanian devils in the Barrington Tops.
The devils were fitted with tail transmitters so that the organisation could track their movements and monitor their wellbeing.
In an interesting and heart-warming development, recent monitoring shows that the sister devils, have reunited after many months.
Bonny and Bitsy were siblings who shared a pouch and then snuggled together in their mother's den until they were about 10 months old.
After this time, they weaned from their mother and were placed into separate creche yards.
Two years later, the female devils were chosen for behaviour and genetics to be placed into the wilderness of Barrington Tops.
Since reuniting, the girls have been spotted via hidden camera working together to bully a large male. He ran away, looking quite intimidated.
Manager of Life Sciences at Aussie Ark, Hayley Shute said the Aussie Ark team has worked hard for this release to occur and it is an important release not only for Tasmanian devils but for the entire ecosystem.
"Our ability to witness such relationships and behaviour is pioneering and we feel privileged that we have been able to do so," Hayley said.
Tasmanian devils play an important role in the ecosystem, acting much like garbage cleaners of the bush.
Devils are scavengers, and as such, clean up dead carcasses reducing the spread of disease. Bitsy and Bonny seem to be a team in this effort.
"The release program, so far, has been a smashing success. We have been able to monitor so many different behaviours and movement patterns," Hayley said.
"We are looking forward to the upcoming breeding season and have high hopes for the birth of the first wild Tasmanian devil joeys on mainland Australia."
Head to www.aussieark.org.au/ to learn more about these projects.
About Aussie Ark
As a not for profit organisation, Aussie Ark raises the necessary funds to continue its ambitious vision. Investment allows for the construction of captive facilities and predator proof fencing on semi-wild parcels of land. Aussie Ark is a registered environmental organisation and charitable institution under the Australian Charity and Not-for-Profit Commission. Aussie Ark has deductible gift recipient status (DGR status) and is registered for GST purposes. More information at www.aussieark.org.au
