Hatrack River Forum: Save the Tasmanian Devil!!

This is topic Save the Tasmanian Devil!! in forum Books, Films, Food and Culture at Hatrack River Forum.

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Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :

Tasmanian Devils dying in droves!

quote:
LONDON, England (Reuters) -- Tasmanian devils, animals found only in Tasmania, are dying in droves from a facial cancer that scientists said on Wednesday they are spreading to each other through bites.

The cancer produces large tumors on the face and neck of the animals which interfere with feeding and death usually occurs within six months. Up to 80 percent of infected animals have died.

No! I love Tasmanian Devils! They are so cute

Plus they live in and around Hobart, Tasmania. That's MY city! Poor little guys, I wish I could help.

Posted by Evie3217 (Member # 5426) on :

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Posted by cheiros do ender (Member # 8849) on :

Ahh but Tassie is infamous for extinctions since the Europeans landed here (Australia). Why mess with that?

Posted by cheiros do ender (Member # 8849) on :

Wait, animals can get cancer? [Cry]

Posted by Storm Saxon (Member # 3101) on :

That sucks, Lyrhawn.

Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :

I know a half dozen friends whose dogs have died of cancer. It happens.

But these guys only exist on that tiny island, we should be able to save the little critters!

Posted by Audeo (Member # 5130) on :

Wow, I've never heard of an infectious cancer before. That's a scary thought. It sounds like it can only spread because of the low genetic diversity in the population. Also losing the Tasmanian devils would be very sad because I think they are the only surviving predatory marsupials.

Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :

They ARE the only surviving predatory marsupials.

They are a worldwide treasure!!

Posted by Bella Bee (Member # 7027) on :

quote:
I've never heard of an infectious cancer before

I believe that cervical cancer is caused by an infection.

Darn it, though. Poor little mites. [Frown]

Posted by Anti-Chris (Member # 4452) on :

"Whyfore you put taz in the cold cold ground?"

Posted by Joldo (Member # 6991) on :

We must pray that God saves the devils.

Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :

joldo you are amazing

I find this sad too, and the only way I can think to prevent it would also prevent mating, unless someone decided to perform AI.

Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :

Devil jokes are not appreciated. ::stern glare::

(Alright I'm not a machine, that was pretty funny, but no more jokes! This is a serious thread!)

Posted by dantesparadigm (Member # 8756) on :

Have they tried importing them beyond Tasmania to see if they survive? If so they could always move some non-infected ones to the mainland, provide for them a while to increase the population, then when the others die off they can move them back.

Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :

They are trying to screen the population and keep the healthy ones away. But I think they are working with limited resources.

Posted by RackhamsRazor (Member # 5254) on :

That sucks because, unfortunately, that is what the little devils do...they bite.

I wouldn't like to have a devil bite

Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :

He could easily be yawning in that picture.

It's cute.

Posted by Primal Curve (Member # 3587) on :

At least they haven't been infected by that cancer that interferes with their ability to spin in circles really fast.

Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :

Hmph.