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Thursday, May 28, 2009
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Tasmanian Devils Officially Endangered

Australia's Tasmanian devils are dying off due to a disease called DFTD, or devil facial tumor disease. This contagious cancer is spread when Tasmanian devils bite each other.

In the 13 years since the disease was first discovered, the population of Tasmanian devils has dropped about 70%. Earlier this month, the Australian government officially changed the status of the Tasmanian devil from "vulnerable" to "endangered."

Get the facts on Tasmanian devils in the Creature Feature.

Watch a video about Tasmanian devils and the contagious cancer on National Geographic Kids.

Read how kids helped Tasmanian devils at a wildlife conservation center.

Learn more about this story from The Guardian.

2 Comments

I have to agree

no!!!!!!!!!!!! i saw a video on tasmanian devils and they are so cute! they can't be endangered!

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