While saving an endangered species can be a race against time, saving the Tasmanian devil has become an all-out sprint. Similar to a fuzzy black bear cub but with bright pink ears, sharp teeth and a “devilish” snarl, this carnivorous marsupial has been devastated in the last decade by a contagious outbreak of devil facial tumor disease (DFTD).

To date, at least half of the population has been wiped out. Unless a dramatic turnaround occurs, the Tasmanian devil could become extinct within the next 20 to 25 years.

DFTD manifests as tumors on the devil’s face and neck and spreads when devils bite each other while feeding or breeding. Once infected, the animal dies within a few months.

Australian researchers discovered that the devil’s lack of genetic diversity seems to be responsible for the disease’s rapid spread. The devil’s immune system doesn’t appear to recognize that it’s being attacked by the cancer. While scientists struggle to find a vaccine, researchers funded by Morris Animal Foundation are tackling the epidemic on another front.

Dr. Justine O’Brien, an honorary research associate at the University of Sydney and the scientific director at SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Reproductive Research Center, is examining the Tasmanian devil’s natural reproduction patterns and developing assisted reproductive procedures. Along with co-investigator, Tamara Keeley, she is studying how DFTD affects the devils’ sperm.

“Preserving spermatozoa represents an important conservation tool because the genetic material can be stored indefinitely and potentially used to produce offspring through artificial insemination long after the male has died,” O’Brien says.

While preserving devils’ sperm proved to be somewhat difficult because of low overall sperm production and fragility, the research team persevered. Recently, they identified safe methods for freezing, storing and thawing sperm.

With the successful collection and storage of sperm, O’Brien’s team began the process of developing a genome resource bank for the Tasmanian devil. For a species facing extinction, a bank is crucial for preserving important genetic material for future use.

“Once artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization techniques are developed for this species, genome bank samples have the potential to be infused into captive or wild populations to maintain biodiversity,” O’Brien says.

O’Brien is also looking at female reproductive and stress hormone production during the breeding season. By studying the animals’ feces, her team can detect hormonal changes that will hopefully lead to a better understanding of the natural mating behavior of the female devils. Having a clearer picture of the females’ reproductive patterns, combined with the safe collection of high-quality frozen sperm samples from the males, should provide the team with the valuable information needed to improve captive breeding efforts that just might save the species.

Facts about the Tasmanian devil

• Known as the vacuum cleaners of the forest
• World’s largest carnivorous marsupial
• Live up to 5 years and are nocturnal
• Have nasty tempers
• Are currently facing extinction

  Heidi Jeter, Morris Animal Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 1948, is dedicated to funding animal health research that protects, treats and cures companion animals, horses & wildlife. MAF has been at the forefront of funding breakthrough research studies benefiting animals on all seven continents. MAF has its headquarters in Denver. For more info, call 800.243.2345.