How do you protect Tasmanian devils?

Answer 1

Scientists are breeding Tasmanian Devils in captivity to limit the spread of the Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD). This disease is a great threat to Tasmanian devils living in the wild, affecting some two-thirds of the population.

Tasmanian devils are being housed in captive breeding programmes, which should prevent the extinction of the marsupial, but not necessarily in the wild. In January 2010, a team of international scientists pinpointed the genetic marker that predisposes Tasmanian devils towards this fatal disease. With this knowledge, there is now a better chance of a cure, which would also stop the disease decimating the wild Tasmanian devil population.

In addition, the "Save the Tasmanian Devil" was begun, with the objective being to 'maintain an enduring and ecologically functional population of Tasmanian Devils in the wild in Tasmania'. This programme is a joint initiative between the Australian Federal and Tasmanian State governments, together with the University of Tasmania. More sponsorship has come through the car company Suzuki Australia which has developed a is partnership with Zoos Victoria. Suzuki donates an amount from the sale of each Suzuki SUV to help save the Tasmanian Devil.

Answer 2

Tasmanian devils are nocturnal hunters and feeders. They can hunt by pouncing on smaller mammals such as possums but they are also effective scavengers, eating carrion, or the remains of dead animals: fur, bones, and all.

Tasmanian devils tend to be solitary hunters, although they may feed with other Tasmanian devils. They should not be confused with the Thylacine, or Tasmanian tiger (now extinct), which may have used a pack-hunting strategy for larger prey, although fossil evidence indicates it, too, was usually a solitary hunter. Tasmanian devils do not form packs.

Tasmanian devils have an excellent sense of smell. They are said to have the most powerful bite for their size of any animal.

Answer 3

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. 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.

Answer 4

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.

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.

Answer 5

Tasmanian devils have sharp teeth and very strong jaws. When threatened, they can release a powerful and repulsive scent.

Answer 6

Tasmanian devils have sharp teeth and very strong jaws which they use for defence. When threatened, they can release a powerful and repulsive scent.