What's Decimating Tasmanian Devils?

A kangaroo hops across the plains... a koala lazily slumbers on a eucalyptus branch... and a wombat shuffles over the dirt...

I apologize for the long delay, but it has been decided! The first theme I will be blogging about (throughout the remainder of April and all of May) will be the Australian Outback. The Outback is the vast inland area of Australia, mostly desert and some grasslands. Australians call it "the bush."

Here is a visual map of where the Australian Outback is: (roughly the yellow and orange sections)

From JRank

Now, without further ado, here is our first Outback animal:

Tasmanian Devil

From National Geographic-Tasmanian Devil

Classification: Mammal (marsupial)
Size: 20-31 in / 51-79 cm
Weight: 9-26 lb / 4-12 kg
Diet: Only meat (carnivore)
Lifespan: (up to) 5 years-in the wild
Appearance: Brown or black fur; White stripe across the chest; Light-colored spots on lower body

Status: 

Recently declared vulnerable/endangered by Tasmanian state government (Australia) at the end of March. 

Their feisty, cantankerous personalities have stayed true to their name--Tasmanian Devils can sometimes be quite the handful. But a newly emerged cancer, called Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTC), has been wiping out these marsupials' population for the past 10 years.

This highly contagious disease was discovered in the 1990's, and leaves tumor-like lumps on the Tasmanian Devils' faces. Eventually, the tumors block the nose and mouth, preventing normal breathing and eating, forcing the poor animal to starve and suffocate to death.

Since the disease is spreading like wildfire, scientists are trying to find areas around the world that have currently not been affected, and setting up breeding programs to keep the animal away from extinction.

DFTC can be spread by physical contact, such as biting (which is common when mating or feeding their young), the main reason behind why this disease is spreading like a wildfire. Once infected, the victim only has 6-12 more months to survive. Currently, there is no known cure or vaccine.

The beginning of the Tasmanian Devils' wavering population started in the 18th century, around the time when European settlers colonized in Australia. Because the Devils and Tasmanian Tigers (Thylacine) constantly attacked the settlers' livestock, bounties were eventually placed upon them for being a nuisance. The Devils and Tigers were hunted and killed so often that the Tasmanian Tiger was officially declared extinct in the 1936, when the last Tiger died. Soon after, in 1941, Tasmanian Devils became protected by the law, allowing their numbers to gradually rise in numbers again.

Now, the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program and San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy (plus some other wildlife organizations) are putting in their best efforts to save this animal from extinction. You can help, too. You're never too young (or too old)! Simple things such as donating $1 each month from your allowance will make a big difference to them. Or if you don't feel comfortable giving them your money, try helping the environment as a whole! Make your shower a few minutes shorter. Edit your essay until it's completely ready before printing. Ride your bike to the park instead of driving. Little things matter! As my English teacher always says, "Success is in the details!"

So pay attention to the details! Make just a small change in your life, and it'll make a huge difference for the Tasmanian Devils.
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*Don't miss the next post! Next week's animal will be the Dingo!

Barely holding on at the brink of extinction, the dingoes desperately need our help to bring them back...

Learn more about them in my next article! 






Tasmanian Devil Sources: 
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/tasmanian-devil/
http://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/tasmanian-devil
http://www.endextinction.org/