Hi Everybody, Wanted to share this very interesting and sad bit of news. Really highlights how important a large gene pool is for any species survival in the long run. I hope it is not too late for these little guys here.
The squat black creatures are in the throes of an epidemic that has reduced their numbers by more than 80 percent across the island since the disease was detected in 1996. Once common, the world’s largest carnivorous marsupial is now endangered. The culprit is a contagious cancer that kills every animal it infects.
Read more: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/What-is-Killing-the-Tasmanian-Devil.html#ixzz1sYVV8cLK
Thank you RC that is really a warning number. There must be a cure!
So sad. As always I have to wonder if it is something caused by the presence of humans even if those humans care about them. To have only 20% left is discouraging. I do hope something can be done before they are gone as well.Thanks for the info.
surprising news, always assumed that the Tasmanian devil was one of the most resilient species; this type of cancer is really dangerous!
