Tassie Devil Hotel at Lenah Estate

Have you heard about the Tassie Devil Hotel?

A Tasmanian Devil approaches the cave entrance, pauses for a sniff and scratch. Then ventures deeper into the cavern to its den. A spotted tail quoll curiously explores the periphery before darting away after a potential meal. A wombat stretches before waddling out of the darkness… Welcome to the Tassie Devil Hotel, a haven where these elusive creatures come to play, and other furry friends drop by to say hello.

Recently, ecologists for SFM Agribusiness Pty Limited (SFM) discovered a cave network where Tassie Devils and other local wildlife like to visit.

“It’s our role as custodians of a number of large forest estates, to take a holistic approach to the management of these properties,” said Leanne Chappell, Sustainability and Compliance Manager for SFM. “While we are planting and growing trees, we identify significant natural and cultural areas so we can manage them from a conservation point of view.”

“In the case of the Devil Hotel the ecologists were planning to undertake assessment work on a threatened vegetation community… they weren’t expecting to find this!”

The cave network comprises of a north-facing sandstone overhang and deep caves with sandy floors. Inside, the ecologists found evidence of a Tassie Devil den (a tunnel with several entrances) and on the sandy floor there were distinct scent markings made by the Tasmanian Devils. The site has multiple burrows and diggings and there were scats, some very fresh, strewn around the cave.

Sandstone overhang entrance to the Devils Hotel

The elusive Tasmanian Devil

These small carnivorous mammals are only found in Tasmania. With their short stocky build, strong jaw, and black fur and white markings, they are unlike any other species in the world. Named purinina by Palawa, Tasmanian Aboriginals, they have cultural and spiritual significance in Tasmanian Aboriginal mythology where they are considered a powerful spirit and guardians of the land.

The name ‘Tasmanian Devil’ came after European explorers heard the creatures scream in the night. This piercing howl was unlike any sound they had encountered and with their fierce demeanour, sharp teeth and flesh loving habits (it’s a gruesome sight watching a Tasmanian Devil eat), this small animal terrified many a convict and explorer. They referred to it as ‘the devil’.

Under Commonwealth and Tasmanian Legislation, the Tasmanian Devil is identified as endangered. Tassie Devils have been impacted by a rare and contagious cancer called Devil Facial Tumour Disease which has had a devastating impact on their population. Ongoing scientific research into treatments and vaccines, along with strict biosecurity measures and protection of natural habitats is key in rebuilding the population.

Wildlife retreat

“So, you can imagine the excitement when our ecologists discovered these healthy Tasmanian Devils in their natural habitat,” said Leanne. “It’s a rare opportunity to be able to observe and monitor their habits.”

Markings of the Tasmanian Devil within the cave system

As Tasmanian Devils are nocturnal, they weren’t in the cave system at the time it was discovered. The ecologists suggested putting a camera in the cave for a period of four weeks to see what animals visited the cave.

This was when the magic was found. The cave is a meeting place for many furry friends, as well as a variety of reptiles. Wombats, the spotted tail quoll and possums all came to forage and hang out.

“It’s a popular gathering spot, giving it the name ‘hotel’,” said Leanne. “Two Tassie Devils were captured on camera regularly venturing into the cave. This has provided some good insight into the habits of not only the Tassie Devils but other wildlife and how they use the caves.”

“Our ecologists have suggested we put another camera in the cave in Spring so we can see if the devils use it as a den to raise their young. This area of land has been managed for conservation purposes for some time. It’s inspiring to think that we might be helping grow the population on the estate,” said Leanne.

Protecting the devils

Keeping spaces such as the Devil Hotel safe and protected is crucial for their survival. With increasing emphasis on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting, responsible forestry management plays an important role in safeguarding natural and cultural values.

SFM is an industry leader, taking significant measures to guarantee that forest estates under its management meet the strict standards for certification of PEFC (Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification), Australian Standard for Sustainable Forest Management (Responsible Wood) and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

The Devil Hotel is located in Lenah Estate, a 26,000 Ha estate owned by the Australia New Zealand Forest Fund 3 (ANZFF3), a New Forests managed fund. The area will continue to be managed for conservation purposes, with ongoing monitoring to ensure the integrity of the site is maintained. This is a prime opportunity to observe the Tassie Devil Hotel and start to build a picture of the habits of these shy creatures and get deeper insight into their world.

And with proper care and sustainable management of this forest area, there’s no reason why they would leave their comfortable five-star accommodation.