In a world of progressive modern technology, where devices are smaller, televisions are bigger and computers are smarter, animal species are becoming extinct.
The Tasmanian Devil, is very close to this dangerous line. A disease discovered in the late 90’s called the “Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumour Disease” has affected 60% of the population. This disease spreads among the isolated species, through fighting, biting and possibly during mating. It is an infectious cancer, incurable at this stage.
The tumour is a contagious cancer cell line, not rejected by the species immune system as they are too similar to there own natural cells. Due to a lack of genetic diversity among the species, the amount of genetic variability among these animals is limited, as is their diminishing ability to survive environmental change.
Numerous animal species in Australia and around the world are facing the loss of genetic diversity. Koala’s, Platypuses, Fish species, Tigers, Monkeys, the list goes on. Scientists are establishing “gene banks” to save the genetic material in a suspended animation, so in the future with the progressing advances in technology they hope to “bring back” or at least return vulnerable species population figures to a sustainable level. We have a responsibility to help, and assist through modern technologies, the animals of the world. The goal ultimately is creating sustainable populations, in which there are enough animals of the species to survive in a healthy, disease free environment.
The Tasmanian Devil, is very close to this dangerous line. A disease discovered in the late 90’s called the “Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumour Disease” has affected 60% of the population. This disease spreads among the isolated species, through fighting, biting and possibly during mating. It is an infectious cancer, incurable at this stage.
The tumour is a contagious cancer cell line, not rejected by the species immune system as they are too similar to there own natural cells. Due to a lack of genetic diversity among the species, the amount of genetic variability among these animals is limited, as is their diminishing ability to survive environmental change.
Numerous animal species in Australia and around the world are facing the loss of genetic diversity. Koala’s, Platypuses, Fish species, Tigers, Monkeys, the list goes on. Scientists are establishing “gene banks” to save the genetic material in a suspended animation, so in the future with the progressing advances in technology they hope to “bring back” or at least return vulnerable species population figures to a sustainable level. We have a responsibility to help, and assist through modern technologies, the animals of the world. The goal ultimately is creating sustainable populations, in which there are enough animals of the species to survive in a healthy, disease free environment.
Primary References:
Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumour Disease: Save the Tasmanian Devil
http://www.tassiedevil.com.au/disease.html
Genetic Times – Breakthrough could save the Tasmanian Devil
http://www.geneticstimes.com.html/
http://www.tassiedevil.com.au/disease.html
Genetic Times – Breakthrough could save the Tasmanian Devil
http://www.geneticstimes.com.html/
Secondary References:
The Value of Endangered Species: the Importance of Conserving Biological Diversity
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW064
Endangered Animal of the World
http://www.ypte.org.uk/docs/factsheets/env_facts/end_species.html
The Value of Endangered Species: the Importance of Conserving Biological Diversity
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW064
Endangered Animal of the World
http://www.ypte.org.uk/docs/factsheets/env_facts/end_species.html
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