Two Decades of the Impact of Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumor Disease
While they often feed in noisy, chaotic groups, devils are largely solitary. They are surprisingly fast, can swim, and are even capable of climbing trees.
Found only in the wild on the Australian island state of Tasmania, these largest carnivorous marsupials are currently facing an unprecedented threat that has brought them to the brink of extinction. A Misunderstood Creature wild devil
Since 1996, the wild devil population has been decimated by , a rare, contagious cancer that spreads through biting during feeding or mating. This disease has wiped out over 80% of the wild population in some areas.
) is known for its black fur, pungent odor, and loud, terrifying noises, which early European settlers imagined were screams from hell. Two Decades of the Impact of Tasmanian Devil
"By 2020, DFTD occupied >90% of the species' range, causing 82% declines in local densities and reducing the total population to 16,900," explains a recent study. Hope for the Future
Despite their fearsome reputation, they are timid and cautious around people, typically fleeing rather than picking a fight. The Fight Against DFTD A Misunderstood Creature Since 1996, the wild devil
Conservationists are working aggressively to save the "wild devil" through several key strategies: