The researchers theorize that since Tasmanian devil populations have been so dramatically reduced, the surviving pups may enjoy greater food supplies and reduced competition from adults, which could permit the earlier breeding. While the fate of the species remains unknown, this series of events may represent an evolved mechanism to stave off extinction. Stephen O'Brien, chief of the Laboratory of Genomic Diversity at the U.S. National Cancer Institute, told Discovery News that he was surprised "to see the almost instantaneous adaptation/selection" for younger animals to reproduce. "Watching an extinction event is a very scary and harrowing process, yet this is what the Tazzy devil scientists are seeing close up," he added. Chris Johnson, a James Cook University professor who specializes in both Australian marsupials and the biology of extinction, expressed deep concern for not only Tasmanian devils, but also for other animals in their ecosystem that may suffer. He predicts that since Tasmanian devils are now maturing, breeding and dying at younger ages, they will decrease in physical size, "making them less capable of competing effectively with feral cats, which are widespread in Tasmania, and red foxes." "Both foxes and cats have proved to be extremely destructive predators of mainland Australian wildlife," Johnson added. "I hope that the diminution of the Tasmanian devil, both in abundance and size, will not release further cat and fox impacts in Tasmania, but I am afraid that this will happen." Related Links: Jennifer Viegas' Blog: Born Animal San Diego Zoo Tasmanian Devil Page |
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