Tasmanian Devil Tumor Disease is threatening populations of the iconic Australian wild animal, putting them officially on the endangered species list down under.
While for most people the word Tasmanian Devil evokes images of a rabid twirling monster, the real marsupials (Sarcophilus laniarius) are far more adorable looking than the Looney Tunes character Taz, as proven by the pictures of Tasmanian Devils above.
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Their numbers have declined by 70 percent since the facial cancer was first reported in 1996. The disease is caused by bites inflicted on each other's faces as part of a bizarre mating ritual or while squabbling over food. It causes grotesque facial tumors that eventually prevent them from feeding, leading to starvation within months.
"Strong action is being taken to find out more about this disease and to stop its spread," Garrett said.
(google)
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