Application for Scientific Permit – Available for Public Comment
Public comment on the following application for a Scientific Research (Fauna) Permit is open until 13 February.
Applicant: Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania
Species/Taxon: Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii), Eastern quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus), Spotted tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus)
Location: Several properties will have trapping activity: the two largest properties are in Uxbridge (areas around Mt Lloyd; these are state forests under Sustainable Timber Tasmania’s authority) and Marchwiel, a private property. Several other small rural private properties across Tasmania might be used in this project.
Title of research: Devil facial tumour vaccine and immunotherapy project
Aim of project: the overarching aim of this project is to develop a field vaccine against devil facial tumours for Tasmanian devils. The aim of the research in this permit is to survey field sites, to facilitate our next step in the vaccine delivery system. To test remote microchip monitor system (RAMS) and bait dispensers. Trapping devils and quolls in these sites will allow us to implant microchips, collect samples for genetic and immunology studies and determine DFTD prevalence for future vaccine delivery.
Justification: Development of an effective bait delivery platform and a method to determine bait uptake is critical to the overall success of an oral DFT bait vaccine. This information can be used to improve conservation management options for devils and other species.
Trapping activities will guide us on potential future sites for field vaccination trials (please note, we do not intend to vaccinate devils under this permit).
Maximum likely numbers of individuals involved: Each of the large properties (Uxbridge and Marchwiel) will have 40 traps set up for 7 nights. Other small rural properties might have 2-4 traps set for 2-3 nights. These activities will occur -4 times a year.
Activities undertaken and methods: Prior to the trapping, baited camera traps using
a range or lures (e.g., fish oil, placebo baits, cat food, etc) will be
deployed to investigate the density and distribution of carnivores in the area.
Camera traps might be used intermittently during this project
Trapping procedures: PVC pipe traps used for Tasmanian devil trapping will be deployed in clusters or at different locations in each property (3-40 traps, depending on the size of the property and density of devils, spread at semi-regular intervals), in sheltered areas and secured by rocks or branches, so that the trap won't roll over. Devils will be trapped overnight over a period of 2-7 days. Traps will be baited with either lamb, chicken or wallaby/pademelon meat. Trapping efforts will occur one to four times a year, depending on the camera traps and RAMS feedback.
Traps will be checked early in the morning; once in the trap, the devil will be gently slid into a hessian sack, a microchip reader will scan its body for microchips and the weight taken and recorded. The animal will be implanted with thermochips. Two ear biopsies are taken from the bottom of left ear (for genetics studies and archiving at TMAG) and the head width is taken using callipers. The head and mouth are thoroughly examined. A blood sample might be collected (only once in the trapping trip) and a swab from tumours and/or suspicious lesions will be taken for diagnostics. The animal is placed fully back in the sack and the ventral back side of the devil is exposed, the pouch is checked if a female and scored according to the fundamentals sheet. The devil is released near the site where it was trapped. If it is a female with large pouch young, she might be left in the sack in a sheltered area, for her to leave the area at her own volition.
For devils with tumours, these will be measured and a biopsy taken from each of them (one piece is shared into formalin and RNALater for diagnosis and genetic studies, to be given to NRE). A fine needle aspirate might be taken for cell culture.
For Eastern or spotted tailed quolls, the procedures will be similar (weight check, microchip implantation, ear biopsy taken, pouch check), but quicker, as we will not be looking for tumours.
Fate of animals: All animals will be released at the site where they were trapped, unless they are in poor condition (body condition score of 1/5, which will trigger a vet examination and euthanasia)
Likely impact on species involved (including any by-catch): Animals will spend from a few hours up to nearly 24 hours in a trap. Microchipping, ear and tumour biopsy, body check, will all affect the animals, but only temporarily.