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From about 1996, the Tasmanian Devil has been threatened by a fatal form of cancer called "Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD)" which has killed more than 90% of adults in high density areas and 45% of adults in medium to low density areas resulting in an "Endangered" classification.
Since then, the Threatened Species Scientific Advisory Committee has recommended moving the Tasmanian Devil up the "Endangered Species" list.
Whilst there is no actual cure for the disease yet, scientists have identified the genetic marker that causes Tasmanian devils to be predisposed to the disease, and this will go a long way towards finding a cure. Also, in 2010, scientists have reported promising results in cancer cures from a drug manufactured from a certain type of brushwood in the North Queensland tropical rainforests. This has worked successfully in trials on cancerous tumours in cats, dogs and horses, and as well as being hoped to be a potential cure in human cancers, it is also hoped to be able to be used against DFTD.
A number of groups have combined to fund, study, analyse and come up with a cure for DFTD. You can find out more about it or assist by going to the attached Web Page and selecting one of the options.
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Can Tasmanian devils get sick?
Tasmanian devils can certainly get sick. Tasmanian Devils are threatened by a fatal form of cancer called Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) which is transmitted between Tasmanian devils by biting.
What are adult Tasmanian devils called?
They are called Tasmanian Devils. The babies are called joeys.
What are male Tasmanian devils called?
A baby Tasmanian devil is called a joey. Tasmanian devils are marsupials, and "joey" is the name given to the young of all marsupials.
What is the island called of the Tasmanian devils?
The island where Tasmanian devils live is called Tasmania. It is Australia's island state.
What is a group of Devil called?
There is no specific collective term for a group of Tasmanian devils. Tasmanian devils are solitary animals. At most, an area where numerous Tasmanian devils live is called a colony.
What is a Tasmanian devils name called when its a teen?
a tasmanian devil
When did they discover the Tasmanian devils disease?
It started appearing in 1996.
What are some good ''did you know'' questions about Tasmanian devils?
Did you know:Tasmanian devils belong to a group of marsupials known as "dasyurids", which are the carnivorous marsupials?Tasmanian devils are not only hunters, but also scavengers, and carrion-feeders?Tasmanian devils are subject to a disease known as Devil facial tumour Disease, or DFTD, which causes cancerous lesions over their face?Tasmanian devils gained their name of "devil" from the unearthly shrieking sounds they make as they fight over their food at night?Tasmanian devils can emit a pungent odor as a defence mechanism when threatened?
Do Tasmanian devils get along with other Tasmanian devils?
Tasmanian devils are solitary creatures and do not socialise with others of their species except for the purpose of reproduction. They are very territorial, however, and will fight over food. One of the reasons the Devil Facial Tumour Disease is such a problem is that it is transmitted by the Tasmanian devils biting each other.
Are Tasmanian devils placental?
No. Tasmanian devils are marsupials.
Do Tasmanian devils Live in packs?
No. Tasmanian devils tend to be solitary animals.
Do Tasmanian devils breed?
Of course Tasmanian devils breed. If they didn't, there would be no Tasmanian devils left today. Tasmanian devils are mammals, which are vertebrates. All vertebrates breed.
