Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Tumor-Stricken Tasmanian Devils Now 'Endangered'

Australia ups protections for devastated, iconic species

By Gabriel Winant,  Newser User

Posted May 22, 2009 9:31 AM CDT

(Newser) – The Tasmanian devil, the iconic inhabitant of the island off Australia and the world’s largest surviving carnivorous marsupial, is now officially endangered, reports the BBC. Under attack by a virulent disease characterized by facial tumors, the devil population may be as low as 20,000, down 70% since the mid-1990s. The new status of endangered—changed from "vulnerable"—gives the animals extra protections under Australian law.

Tex, a Tasmanian Devil, reacts in his enclosure at Sydney's Taronga Zoo Friday, Oct. 17, 2008
Tex, a Tasmanian Devil, reacts in his enclosure at Sydney's Taronga Zoo Friday, Oct. 17, 2008   (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
In this handout photo from Tasmania's Department of Primary Industries, a healthy Tasmanian Devil.
In this handout photo from Tasmania's Department of Primary Industries, a healthy Tasmanian Devil.   (AP Photo/Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, HO, File)
In this undated photo taken in Australia and released by Tasmanian state's Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, a Tasmanian devil is pictured with a cancerous growth on its face.
In this undated photo taken in Australia and released by Tasmanian state's Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, a Tasmanian devil is pictured with a cancerous growth on its face.   (AP Photo/Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, HO, File)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

London Olympics Blasted for Using Endangered Wood

Chavez Stays in Venezuela for 3rd Round of Chemo

Scientists Crack Code of Kangaroo's DNA

Aussies Warm to Snarling, Vanishing Tasmanian Devil

Aspirin Reduces Risk of Cancer Death: Study


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne