Zoos' fears for Tasmanian devils

New Zealand zoos are so concerned that Australia's marsupial Tasmanian devils are sliding to extinction that they have sought biosecurity approval to import animals for captive breeding.

Auckland and Wellington zoos have sought permission to import the devils.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is seeking public submissions on the proposed imports by October 7.

The Tasmanian devil is the size of a small muscular dog. It has black fur, gives off a skunk-like odour when stressed and earns its devil name for its ferocious temperament and disturbing call.

The carnivorous marsupials are being wiped out in their homeland by devil facial tumour disease which emerged in 1996, and has spread through much of Tasmania, cutting their numbers by more than 70 per cent.

Devils are nocturnal hunters and widespread across Tasmania, living mostly on carrion but also capable of hunting small animals, including wallabies.

Australian zoos have started breeding 500 devils and New Zealand zoos plan to breed disease-free animals to provide back-up.

- NZPA