Tasmanian Devils Relocated in 2012 Threaten Penguin Colony
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Biotechnology & health research· Prelims·
Why in news
Conservationists are highlighting the ecological impact of relocated Tasmanian devils on a little penguin colony on Maria Island.
Background
In 2012, 28 Tasmanian devils were relocated to Maria Island as an 'insurance population' to protect against facial tumour disease. The population grew to 90, resulting in the disappearance of a 3,000-pair little penguin colony.
Facts for Prelims
- EnvironmentTasmanian devils were relocated to Maria Island as an insurance population.
- FactThe relocated Tasmanian devil population grew from 28 to 90 individuals.
- FactThe relocation led to the disappearance of a 3,000-pair little penguin colony.
- S&TFacial tumour disease is the primary reason for the Tasmanian devil insurance population.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the ecological risks and ethical dilemmas associated with 'insurance populations' and species translocation in biodiversity conservation.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Ecological imbalance: Unintended predation on native species due to lack of natural predators in relocated habitats
- Policy trade-off: Balancing the survival of a single endangered species against the preservation of local ecosystem equilibrium
Keywords: biodiversity conservation · species translocation · insurance population · ecological impact · predation dynamics
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