Tasmanian Devil
AJ Dougherty
Species Information
The Tasmanian Devil is endangered species. The Tasmanian Devil has many adaptations one of them being it has a oversize head, sharp teeth, strong muscular jaws that can deliver a pound for pound one of the most powerful bite of any mammal. They are located in Australia and live up to five years in the wild. They are the largest coniveorus marsupial at 30 inches in length. In the 1800's farmers tried killing Tasmanian Devils off since it attacked their livestock, In the 90's it is discovered that a illness killed thousands of them. They get several illnesses a tumor in the face which makes it not able to eat and eventually starves to death. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwhJ9ZMHAFo
Threats
One of the major threats to this animal is tumors. The Tasmanian Devil is known to develop tumors in its face called devil facial tumor disease This kills them off since it develops around the mouth which makes it difficult to eats but in the end stops them from eating and starve to death. Another threat to this species happens within the species. Tasmanian Devils are known to eat and attack each other so young pups are threatened by older ones. Finally the last threat is humans. These are small animals who cross the road and many deaths come from being road killed. http://www.livescience.com/24590-tasmanian-devil-cancer-tumors-evolve.html
Current conservation efforts
There are many groups out there trying to save Tasmanian Devils one of them being The Road Kill Project. There main goal is to make people aware of them and have people slow down on roads so they don't run them over. They also raise money to help research for cancer since it kills many of them. They are a protected species so killing one could result in a fine. http://news.discovery.com/animals/endangered-species/tasmanian-devil-island-121116.htm
Impact
Tasmanian devils play a big role in the ecosystem keeping the population of foxes, feral cats and other small animals. We can help by donating money for research to help prevent or get rid of their cancer.
www.tassiedevil.com.au/tasdevil.nsf/How-you-can-help/85007C2726F401E6CA2576F0001E8998