Within a week of their release into the wild, two Tasmanian devils who were part of a healthy breeding program have been killed on the state's roads.
A group of 39 devils, free from the debilitating facial tumour disease which has reduced the carnivore's numbers by more than 80 per cent, were released into a quarantined area on the southeast Tasman Peninsula last Wednesday.
But Save the Tasmanian Devil program director Howel Williams confirmed the deaths seven days later and added that road kill remains a significant threat to the species.
"Sites for the release were specifically chosen that were more remote, as part of reducing the risk of them being exposed to major road traffic so soon after release," Dr Williams said.
"But it remains a real risk and we encourage all road users to play a part in helping the conservation effort."
Devils are scavengers and often wander onto roads to feed on road kill where they too become victims.
Dr Williams said patrols will be increased to remove dead animals from roads and therefore reduce the appeal for devils.
Food is also being left for the devils in an area well away from roads.
While the deaths are disappointing, Dr Williams said they had not compromised the program.
The news follows the deaths of four tagged devils in the state's north in September, where healthy specimens had previously been released.
"Recent monitoring at (the northern site) has shown some of the devils have gained weight and appear healthy which is encouraging," Dr Williams said.
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