Devils in Danger Foundation
' Don't let our Devils become Angels'
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' Don't let our Devils become Angels' |
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About the
Tasmanian Devil The Latin name for the Tasmanian devil is Sarcophilus harrisii. Sarco means flesh; philus means lover; and Harris is the name of the man who described them in scientific terms. Healthy Tasmanian devils in the wild live up to five years, although in captivity they may live slightly longer. A typical adult male weighs between 10 - 12kg, while the female is slightly smaller at 6 - 8kg. Adult size is reached at three years of age. Tasmanian devils run with an awkward loping gait, covering around 8km a night (although individuals have occasionally been observed to move up to 50km in a single night). The species is not territorial. Each individual can occupy a home range of 8 - 20 square kilometres that may overlap extensively with others and would include several different dens. Most devils mate during a short but intense season in March, however breeding can continue until July. Births occur three weeks later. Four young stay in the backward-opening pouch for five months, after which the fully-furred young are left in the grass-lined den. They start to roam from the den about six months after birth and are fully weaned and independent by 10 months after birth. Tasmanian devils are not dangerous to people, although they will attempt to defend themselves if attacked. Despite their spectacular and aggressive outbursts, Tasmanian devils are actually timid animals with a preference for avoiding fights. Tasmanian devils with large facial tumours were photographed in north-east Tasmania during 1996. A decade later, we know these characteristics are consistent with Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) - a fatal condition in Tasmanian devils, characterised by cancers around the mouth and head. Devil Facts About DFTD and The Tassie Devil. Devils are suffering from a disease called Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) , which appears to be a form of cancer appearing as lumps and lesions on the face and neck. These lumps grow into large tumours which can prevent the animals from feeding properly and having the strength to get an adequate share of food and they often starve to death. These lesions have also appeared on other areas of the body including the legs. It is currently thought that that DFTD is transmitted form one animal to another through biting while mating and fighting but this may not be the only route of transmission. DFTD has a 100% mortality rate and animals die within three to six months. At this stage there is no diagnostic test available to establish if a devil is infected with DFTD, making compulsory quarantine biosecurity of captive populations an absolute must. How does the disease affect the devil population? At present there is research into how to limit the spread of the disease or cure it. This is an ongoing process. Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) was first noticed in the north-east of Tasmania in the mid-1990s but has since become the greatest threat to the survival of the species because so many devils have been affected. DFTD has been found in most areas of Tasmania and has persistently worked its way across the landscape. DFTD does not usually affect young devils, however, if too many adult devils are lost to the disease , the devil population may never recover. What is being done about DFTD? It is hoped that the Govt departments responsible (DPIW) will allow the maximum involvement of outside assistance to help to isolate the factors responsible for this horrific disease so that we may move quickly to save this iconic species. Breeding programs like the "No Injury Breeding Program' supported by the Devils in Danger Foundation encourage the humane sustainable breeding of captive devils to help sustain the species. AT present there is NO GOVERNMENT FUNDING FOR THIS ESSENTIAL PROGRAM OR PROGRAMS LIKE IT.
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