The Tasmanian Devil is to be listed as an endangered species. Previously, the Tassie Devil, an iconic Australian species and the world’s largest surviving marsupial carnivore, was listed as vulnerable.

Environment Minister Peter Garrett said the change in status was because the species was under continued threat and its population was continuing to decline. He said devils would now receive greater protection under national environment law. “My decision to up-list the Tasmanian devil is based on advice from the Threatened Species Scientific Committee which lists the Devil Facial Tumour Disease as the major threat to the devil,” he said in a statement on Friday.

“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. “Fortunately, strong action is being taken to find out more about this disease and to stop its spread.” Mr Garrett said the federal government had already committed $10 million over five years to a program aimed at saving the Tasmanian Devil.

He said that was to help with research into disease transmission and treatment as well as to support captive and wild populations. “My department will also continue to play an active role as part of the steering committee which implements the Save the Tasmanian Devil program,” he said.

This article is from the Bundaberg News Mail© AAP

The Tasmanian devil disease is a new disease, an infectious cancer, that is restricted to Tasmanian devils. No affected animals were reported among the 2000-plus Tasmanian devils trapped by wildlife biologists between 1964 and 1995. Once the cancer becomes visible, it always appears to be fatal – usually within three months. Small lesions, or lumps, in and around the mouth quickly develop into large tumours on the face and neck (and sometimes other parts of the body). Tasmanian devils with facial tumours find it difficult to eat. Death results from starvation and the breakdown of body functions.In diseased areas, nearly all the Tasmanian devils that are sexually mature (older than two years of age) become infected and succumb to the disease. Juveniles as young as one year old can also be infected.

The Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) was given its common name by early European settlers, who were haunted at night by the sound of its spine-chilling screeches and demonic growls.

The largest of the living marsupial carnivores (and Australia’s only specialised mammalian scavenger), the Tasmanian devil resembles a robustly-built, small dog with powerful jaws and a set of large, strong teeth.Its head is broad, its tail is thick, and its coarse, black fur often has irregular-shaped white blazes across the chest, shoulders and rump. Despite its name, appearance and reputation, the Tasmanian devil is actually a shy, wary creature. As for the reputed bad temper it’s mostly bluff. Since many individuals can feed simultaneously on a large carcass, a feisty display is an attempt to intimidate others and thus avoid a fight. Today the Tasmanian devil is found only in the wild in Tasmania. It is wholly protected, and a State icon.

Tasmanian Devil: A Unique and Threatened Animal Book

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Qantas continues helping to Save the Tassie Devil

Qantas is helping save the Tasmanian devil from extinction, in partnership with the University of Tasmania and the Tasmanian Government. Tassie devil donation sculptures placed Tasmanian National Park visitor centers, the Tasmanian Mueseum and art Gallery and Hobart Launceston, Melbourne and Sydney domestic airports to collect donations for the Save the Tassie Devil Appeal have so far raised over $42 000. The immense success of this Qantas initiative allowed us to recently award a further three Qantas scholarships during the December 2007 Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal Grant and Scholarship round .

Most importantly the research Qantas is now supporting crosses the most significant areas of the response to DFTD, including transmission, population modelling and immune responses and helps establish the strongest foundation for breeding populations through assisting with their genetic diversity. In particular the work of Alex Kreiss has been critical in identifying the possibility of a genetic group of devils who may be resistant to the disease. His research continues and helps direct the collection of the ark population taking place during 2008.