Here you will find information
about the science behind the Tasmanian Devil and the problems they are
currently experiencing. Here you will learn more about facial tumours,
biodiversity, genetic diversity and histology.
Tasmanian
Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD)
Tasmania's iconic species
the Tasmanian devil is facing extinction as a result of a deadly disease
known as Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD). First discovered
in 1996, DFTD is a contagious cancer that is transmitted between individuals
through biting. Transmission mainly occurs during mating, but can also
occur during feeding, as devils often bite one another during these
interactions. The disease causes tumours to form around the mouth and
nose and once infected the devil loses the ability to eat, causing starvation
within months. DFTD was first noticed in the north-east region of Tasmania,
and currently more than 60% of devil populations in Tasmania are affected.
The disease has caused a loss of up to 95% of devils in the most affected
areas.
In May 2008, the Tasmanian
devil was listed as 'Endangered'. Without intervention, DFTD could occur
across Tasmania within five years, and potentially cause extinction
of the devil within ten years. Conservation programs such as 'Save The
Tasmanian Devil' have been established by the Department of Primary
Industries and Water in Tasmania to try to prevent Tasmanian devils
from extinction. The program aims to increase our knowledge of the disease
through research, while managing the devil populations currently infected
with DFTD. The 'Save The Tasmanian Devil' program also created captive
breeding populations, which act as a 'back up' or insurance population
in-case devils become extinct in the wild.
General Information
The following are links to
pages within the Uniserve Science site that deal with the general science
issues
Other links
Australia’s
Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2010–2020: Consultation draft
(pdf 2.18MB) general
information about biodiversity and the Australian context
Biodiversity
Fact Sheets
- from Australian Museum - links to different articles and information
sheets.
