What are three things about Tasmanian devils?

Answer 1

1. Tasmanian devils are dasyurids, meaning they are carnivorous marsupials. They are both hunters and scavengers, feeding on anything from insects to small prey such as snakes, birds and fish, and mammals up to the size of pademelons. They are known for eating carrion (carcasses or dead animal bodies), performing a useful service of cleaning up the environment.

2. Tasmanian devils are native to Tasmania, the island state of Australia located off the southeast coast of the continent. They were once widespread on the Australian mainland, but the arrival of the Dingo and possibly climate change at the end of the last ice age, may have contributed to its extinction on the mainland. Their habitat is eucalypt forest, woodlands, heath and farmland. Tasmanian devils have black fur with a white streak across the chest and often one across the rump. This assists the creature to camouflage in its native forest habitat.

3. In 2008, Tasmanian devils were added to the "Endangered species" list. Apart from the issue of being hit by cars while feeding on other roadkill, they are at grave risk from Devil Facial Tumour Disease which is rife at present. DFTD causes facial lesions which increase in size until the Tasmanian devil can no longer eat, and becomes susceptible to infections. DFTD has killed more than 90% of adults in high density areas and 45% of adults in medium to low density areas. The disease spreads through biting - and this is very common in Devils as they are natural fighters, battling tooth and claw for every morsel of food. Only the western third of Tasmania is currently free of the disease. 60% of the state is affected. Currently there is no cure for the disease, and scientists estimate that unless the disease can be stopped in some way, Tasmanian Devils will be extinct within two decades. The Devils seem to be particularly vulnerable to this because of their genetic makeup: they have particularly low levels of genetic diversity and a chromosomal mutation which is unique among carnivorous mammals. It is hoped that, by studying this genetic makeup, scientists will be able to develop a vaccine and/or cure.