carnivore, will be listed as endangered because of a contagious and
deadly cancer, the government said on Fridav. "This disease has led to
the decline of about 70 per cent of the Tasmanian devil population
since the disease was first reported in 1996," Environment Minister
Peter Garrett said in a statement. Devil facal tumour which is spread
through bitting, kills the animals usually within three months by
growing over their faces and mouths, preventing them from eating.Early
European settlers named the feisty marsupial the devil for
itsspine-chilling screeches, dark appearance and reputed bad temper
which, along with its steel trap jaw, made it appear inresibly
fierce.The animals were previously listed as vulnerable, and Garrett
said the change in status to endanegered would give them greater
protection under national environment law.Fortunately, strong action
is being taken to find out more about this disease and to stop its
spread", he said. The Government had committed $10 million ($7.5
million) over five years to a programme aimed at saving the devil,
including research into the disease and support for captive and wild
populations, he said.The species is restricted to the islaqnd-state of
Tasmania after competition from the dingo led to its extinction on
mainland Australia.It is Australia's largest marsupial carnivore after
the extinction last century of its distant cousin, the thyacine or
Tasmanian tiger.
Business Line, 23rd May 2009
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