Thursday 1 November 2012

The Tasmanian Devil


Today the devil is a Tasmanian icon. The Tasmanian Devil seemingly headed for extinction, But the population gradually increased after they were protected by law. They were particularly common in forest, woodland and farming areas of northern, eastern and central Tasmania.

These numbers have dropped since the Devil was introduced to a fatal Facial Tumour Disease. The condition in Tasmanian devils, characterised by cancers around the mouth and head.

Today the devils are being introduced to a new area of living and breeding, as Australia hopes to protect their native iconic animal from extinction in a place called Maria Island, Tasmania.

In a behavioural test designed to find out whether Tasmanian Devils are suitable to be sent to Maria island, the devils are first being tested in such ways such as with tourists e.g. cameras and reflections. What happens next will determine if the animals are suitable to be released into the wild on Maria Island and hopefully determine the solution in saving our own iconic animal from extinction in our own backyard.

 



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