- HubPages»
- Education and Science»
- Life Sciences»
- Endangered Species
Help save the tasmanian devil
Introduction to the Tasmanian Devil
The Tasmanian Devil is the largest surviving carnivorous marsupial in the world. They are now only found in Tasmania but they once roamed across Australia and on islands around the coast. They have black fur with a bit of white on their chest, their size also can vary greatly, depending on the diet and habitat. Adult males are usually larger than adult females. Large males weigh up to 12 kg, and stand about 30 cm high.
Devils in danger
Our Tassie devils are in danger of becoming extinct due to a fatal disease called Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD). It is a cancer or tumor that appears around the face and head and sometimes other parts of the body. It is spread from devil to devil through biting. Due to a lack of genetic diversity among Tasmanian devils their bodies don't recognise the cells as foreign so the cells aren't rejected by the animal's immune system. This disease affects the adults mainly and may become emaciated if the tumours interfere with teeth and feeding.
Due to this disease they were declared an endangered species in 2009. In some areas more than 90% of the population has been wiped out. At this stage there is still no cure for the disease.
So far ther eare around 300 healthy devils that are being bred in zoos and conservation parks, they are being kept seperate to be able to save the species from extinction. The goal is to be able to have over 500.
The famous tazzie devil from Warner Brothers!
How you can help :)
- Save the devil
The official Save the Tazmanian devil site. Here you will be able to find out ways you can help save them :)