Did you know that Tasmanian devils have the strongest bite force relative to body size of any living mammal? This incredible adaptation has helped these unique marsupials survive in the wild, but a deadly transmissible cancer called devil facial tumor disease (DFTD) is pushing the species to the brink of extinction.
First discovered in 1996, DFTD has decimated Tasmanian devil populations by more than 80%. Despite initial hopes that the disease’s spread was slowing, new research from the University of Cambridge challenges this notion, revealing that DFTD continues to rapidly infect devils across Tasmania.1
As scientists race to understand and combat this contagious cancer, the future of the Tasmanian devil hangs in the balance.
A Closer Look at the Tasmanian Devil
Tasmanian devils, found only on the island of Tasmania, are known for their powerful jaws, keen sense of smell, and adaptable diet.
These nocturnal scavengers play a crucial role in maintaining the island’s ecosystem by consuming carrion and keeping the environment free from disease. However, their aggressive behavior during feeding and mating has led to the rapid spread of a rare transmissible cancer known as Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD).
Tasmanian devils have the strongest bite-for-size of any mammal in the world, with the ability to open their jaws up to 80 degrees and crush bone with their powerful jaws.(ref) They are also the world’s largest carnivorous marsupial, with a diet consisting solely of meat, including birds, snakes, and other mammals up to the size of small kangaroos.
Like all marsupials, Tasmanian devils store fat in their tails, which thicken up like a human’s waistline. A particularly plump tail is a sign of a healthy devil. Younger devils are more agile than older ones and can even climb trees to escape predation from adults.
Devils are also incredible swimmers and can run up to 15 mi/h for up to an hour.
The Devastating Impact of DFTD
DFTD, which spreads through bites to the face and neck during aggressive encounters, has ravaged over 80% of the Tasmanian devil population since its discovery in the late 1990s.(ref) This cancer causes disfiguring tumors that prevent the animals from eating, leading to starvation and death. The disease has pushed the species to the brink of extinction, with conservation efforts struggling to keep pace.
DFTD is an extremely unusual cancer, as it is one of only a small number of recorded cancers that can spread like a contagious disease. The live tumor cells aren’t rejected by the devil’s immune system because of the cancer’s ability to ‘hide’ from it.
Once infected, devils usually die within 6-24 months of the cancer becoming visible.
In diseased areas, nearly all sexually mature devils over two years old become infected and succumb to the disease. Juveniles as young as one can also be infected. This has resulted in populations with a very young age structure where females only have one breeding event instead of the normal three.
New Findings Challenge Previous Optimism
In 2020, a study from Washington State University suggested that DFTD transmission was slowing down, offering a glimmer of hope for the endangered marsupials. However, recent research from the University of Cambridge has identified errors in the earlier study, painting a much bleaker picture.
Contrary to the previous findings, the Cambridge team’s work indicates that DFTD continues to spread rapidly, showing no signs of becoming endemic or stabilizing within the devil population.
The identification of a second type of DFTD in 2014, DFT2, further highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring of wild populations and disease investigations.
While there are differences between DFT1 and DFT2, both are contagious and fatal. This second cancer has so far only been found in the Channel area of Tasmania.
The Future of Tasmanian Devils
As the threat of DFTD persists, conservationists and researchers are racing against time to save the Tasmanian devil from extinction.
Efforts include breeding programs, vaccination research, and the establishment of disease-free populations on offshore islands. However, without a significant breakthrough in understanding and combating DFTD, the future of these unique creatures remains uncertain.
Captive breeding programs like Devil Ark in New South Wales are working to create an insurance population of healthy Tasmanian devils. As of 2022, protected populations of devils in zoos and on Maria Island off Tasmania’s east coast are as genetically diverse as wild populations, meaning they are healthy and likely to reproduce successfully if reintroduced to bolster wild numbers.
Vaccine development remains a long-term goal for DFTD control. Recent research has found that some wild devils are developing higher tolerance and even resistance to DFTD infection, adapting to the cancer at genetic and phenotypic levels. This rapid adaptation in just 8 devil generations showcases the ongoing evolutionary arms race between the animals and the disease.
In addition to DFTD, roadkill poses another major threat, with an estimated 350-450 devils killed each year. Conservation measures like fencing and a public reporting app aim to reduce this toll. Local organizations like the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo are also working to monitor disease-free devil populations and maintain barriers to prevent DFTD spread.
The plight of the Tasmanian devil is a reminder of the fragility of our ecosystems and the devastating impact that diseases can have on vulnerable species.
As we continue to grapple with the challenges posed by DFTD, it is crucial that we support ongoing research and conservation efforts to ensure that the Tasmanian devil’s bone-chilling scream continues to echo through the night for generations to come.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
