For many people, the mere mention of the name “Tasmanian devil” conjures up the image of a certain growling, drooling, gurgling, Warner Brothers cartoon character. Real Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii), however, do not whirl about carving their way through tree trunks; they are stocky carnivorous marsupials named for the Australian island-state of Tasmania—the animal’s only native habitat—and for the devilish screeches, howls, and expressions they make. These ill-tempered animals weigh up to 12 kg (26 pounds), and they are between 50 and 80 cm (20 and 31 inches) long. They resemble small black bears (Ursus americanus) and possess a bushy tail about half the length of the body. Ecologically, Tasmanian devils are top predators that have so far been successful in keeping the populations of many invasive predators (such as the European red fox [Vulpes vulpes]) low. Unfortunately, the species’ genetic diversity is also very low as a result of culling efforts by early European settlers.
This low genetic diversity is thought by many scientists to be one reason why a growing number of Tasmanian devils have become infected with a contagious cancer called Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD). According to Harper’s Magazine contributor David Quammen, the condition was first discovered by a nature photographer named Christo Baars in the spring of 1996. DFTD spurs the development of large tumors on the head and on or within the mouth; these tumors hinder the animal’s ability to eat, and because of this and the other effects of cancer, the infected devil slowly starves to death over several months. The disease is spread through the biting that accompanies the competition for mates, food, or other resources. It is thought the animal’s immune system fails to recognize cancer cells as foreign invaders, so these cells can easily gain footholds in individual animals through cuts and punctures. Nine strains of DFTD are currently known to exist.
The spread of DFTD has been rapid and worrisome. By 2007, many infected populations had declined by up to 90 percent, according to a BBC “The World Today” radio interview with Hamish McCallum, the senior scientist in charge of the DFTD program at the University of Tasmania. Furthermore, sightings of the animal have declined significantly, and the disease has been reported in an area covering 60 percent of the island, according to a recent Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries and Water (DPIW) report. Only the western third of the island has been spared. Many authorities fear that the disease will spread to the remaining healthy populations in the coming decades and the species will go extinct. It is estimated that overall numbers have declined by 50 percent since the discovery of the disease.
In 2008, the species was placed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of endangered species. To keep this animal from extinction, scientists continue to work to find a cure for DFTD while also separating healthy populations from those that are infected. To monitor the spread of the disease and coordinate the efforts of wildlife staff, veterinarians, and other researchers, an effort called the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program was created. This program is funded by the private donations and the Australian government and overseen by the Tasmanian DPIW, in concert with several Australian universities and the Australasian Regional Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria (ARAZPA).
One ray of hope for the species came in 2007, when many news outlets reported that a cancer-resistant devil had been captured. Scientists exposed this animal, called Cedric, and his brother Clinky, to dead tumor cells and monitored their immune system responses. Cedric produced antibodies in response; Clinky, however, did not, and he contracted the disease. It was hoped that Cedric’s antibodies could be used to help immunize some of the animals. Unfortunately, unlike his invincible cartoon counterpart, Cedric developed DFTD many months after the trials began. His tumors were operable, however, and he appears to be recovering.
The best hope for the species appears to be in keeping them from contracting DFTD in the first place. As part of the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program, a number of so-called “insurance populations” of isolated and captive-bred animals have been established. Measures in place since 2005 have called for the transplanting of healthy animals to zoos and wildlife parks throughout Australia. So far, the Tasmanian DPIW reports that 142 animals are part of this effort, but the anticipated expansion of this program to nearly 1,500 animals (enough to ensure a breeding population of 500 individuals) may strain the resources of ARAZPA. Other solutions are being considered, such as turning large areas of the Tasman Peninsula into a breeding sanctuary, placing smaller populations on small offshore islands, and creating large fenced-in areas to keep healthy animals from mingling with infected ones.
Despite recent setbacks, a truly impressive effort has been mounted to save the species. In addition to the efforts of the Australian government, universities, and thousands of private individuals, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories in the United States is in the process of sequencing parts of the Tasmanian devil’s genome, and Warner Home Video is contributing a portion of its sales of new Looney Tunes DVDs to the devil conservation effort. It is clear that many actors are committed to helping this animal through the next few decades. Perhaps, as a result of their continued efforts and a little luck, this magnificent animal and Tasmanian icon can endure.
Images: Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii): Gerry Pearce, www.australian-wildlife.com; devil with facial tumor disease: Hannah Bender—University of Sydney/Landov; devil resting: Gerry Pearce Photography/www.australian-wildlife.com.
To Learn More
- San Diego Zoo
- Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service
- “What’s Killing the Tasmanian Devil?,” by David Quammen
- Harper’s Magazine article “Contagious cancer: The evolution of a killer,” by David Quammen
- Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries and Water
- BBC News
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
- Article in The First Post on how Warner Bros. is pitching in to help the Tasmanian devils
How Can I Help?
- Save the Tasmanian Devil
- Donate through the University of Tasmania Foundation
- Become a “Friend of the Devil” through the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park