Tassie Devil on endangered list

AAP

THE Tasmanian Devil is to be listed as an endangered species.

Previously, the Tassie Devil, an iconic Australian species and the world's largest surviving marsupial carnivore, was listed as vulnerable.

Environment Minister Peter Garrett said the change in status was because the species was under continued threat and its population was continuing to decline.

He said devils would now receive greater protection under national environment law.

"My decision to up-list the Tasmanian devil is based on advice from the Threatened Species Scientific Committee which lists the Devil Facial Tumour Disease as the major threat to the devil," he said in a statement on Friday.

"This disease has led to the decline of about 70 per cent of the Tasmanian devil population since the disease was first reported in 1996.

"Fortunately, strong action is being taken to find out more about this disease and to stop its spread."

Mr Garrett said the federal government had already committed $10 million over five years to a program aimed at saving the Tasmanian Devil.

He said that was to help with research into disease transmission and treatment as well as to support captive and wild populations.

"My department will also continue to play an active role as part of the steering committee which implements the Save the Tasmanian Devil program," he said.