InfoAnda - Tasmanian devils threatened by contagious cancer

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Chief of fraud-hit Indian IT firm in prison | 10 January 2009
Seoul shares end lower as banks, techs decline | 27 April 2009
France's Orange ditches Google's DoubleClick for startup OpenX | 9 February 2011

Tongans pray as cyclone threatens direct hit | 14 February 2010

">Forum Views () ">Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Tasmanian devils threatened by contagious cancer

Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Australia China India Indonesia Japan Malaysia Philippines Thailand Vietnam Search Search: Tasmanian devils threatened by contagious cancer By ROD McGUIRK,Associated Press Writer AP - 2 hours 12 minutes ago CANBERRA, Australia - Tasmania is trying to save the devil. The Tasmanian devil, a ferocious, snarling fox-sized marsupial, is in danger of going extinct because of a contagious facial cancer. In the meantime, its biggest rival _ the European fox _ is thriving, and may become so dominant that the devil never comes back. Scientists now want to build a double fence standing more than three feet tall to stop the cancer's relentless spread toward the rugged northwest of the island, home to disease-free devils and World Heritage-listed rain forest. Devils spread the cancer when they bite each other during mating or squabble over food. But for any chance of success, the fences would have to be completed within two years, said Hamish McCallum, the senior scientist in the devil rescue program. He predicts the devil will go extinct in the wild within 20 years. The Australian island state of Tasmania is the only natural home for the world's largest marsupial carnivore, made notorious by its Looney Tunes cartoon namesake Taz. Its Latin name is Sarcophilus harrisii, or "Harris' meat lover," after the scientist who first studied devils. Scientists had hoped to find a genetic solution to the disease through Cedric, a young devil who showed signs of natural immunity in laboratory tests. But last month Cedric contracted a second, mutated strain of the cancer. Warner Bros., which owns Taz, and CNN founder Ted Turner, who started the Cartoon Network, are helping the Australian and Tasmanian governments bankroll the fight against the disease. In the past three years, Australian zoos have bred 170 devils as "insurance populations." Plans to establish a wild colony on uninhabited Maria Island off Tasmania are controversial because of fears that devils could endanger rare birds and beetles. The Tasmanian government says it is considering offshore islands as well as fenced areas up to 12 miles long, but its first priority is the populations in mainland zoos. McCallum, professor of wildlife research at the University of Tasmania, said the only fence precedent he knew of was in South Africa, where the Kruger National Park was fenced on its southern and western borders in 1961 to prevent foot-and-mouth disease spreading from wildlife to cattle. The Tasmanian fence would be built in selective areas, such as some corners or a peninsula. "This isn't going to be a huge barrier like the Berlin Wall across all of Tasmania," McCallum said. Government wildlife biologist Nick Moonie noted that fences would also trap other animals such as wallabies and echidnas, some of which may need to move or migrate. Moonie, who advises both the devil rescue and fox eradication programs, suspects cancer won't wipe out devils, but foxes just might. Scientists say it is no coincidence that devil numbers have halved in the same decade that foxes have finally gained a foothold in Tasmania, with potentially disastrous consequences for the island's unique wildlife. For example, penguins and the kangaroo-like bettongs have lived with the devil for thousands of years but are easy prey for foxes. Devils and foxes are the top predators in Tasmania. But until now, foxes have faced tens of thousands of devils competing for food and devouring their litters. Foxes and rabbits were first brought to Australia about 200 years ago by British settlers. Unimpressed by Australian wildlife that hopped on hind legs and carried young in pouches, the newcomers hoped to recreate an English landscape Down Under. Since then, 25 mammal species have become extinct, giving Australia the world's worst extinction record, according to the Tasmanian government. Only one of these extinctions occurred in Tasmania. The devil's larger cousin, the dog-like Tasmanian tiger, was wiped out by farmers determined to protect their lambs and encouraged by a hefty government bounty. A three-year-old, $3.3 million a year program is under way to poison an estimated 150 foxes. Tony Peacock, chief executive of Canberra University's Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Center, said eradicating foxes is a question of will. "We, in Australia, are the best in the world at driving animals to extinction," he said. "It's just in the past that we haven't wanted to." Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Recommend this article Average (0 votes) Sign in to recommend this article » Most Recommended Stories » Related Articles: Asia Pacific Tasmanian devils threatened by contagious cancerAP - 2 hours 12 minutes ago Facts about the endangered Tasmanian devilAP - 2 hours 14 minutes ago Indian PM's heart bypass operation successful, say doctorsAFP - 2 hours 44 minutes ago Indian PM has successful heart surgeryReuters - 2 hours 59 minutes ago Indian prime minister has successful heart surgeryAP - Sunday, January 25 Most Popular – Asia Pacific Viewed 'Dogs don't wear condoms,' says Baywatch star Anderson Ring of fire: Indian Ocean to see solar eclipse World crisis deepens as downturn bites in Asia Recession grips Britain for first time since 1991 Obama to mull budget, stimulus with economic team View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular

Other News on Sunday, 25 January 2009
U.S. troops kill Iraqi couple and wound daughter
Iraq to reopen notorious Abu Ghraib prison
Macintosh computers hitting stride at age 25
Storm kills 15 in Spain, France | International |
US-led troops kill 15 'militants', Afghans say were civilians
Craig Robinson Serves Minimal Laughs But Sparks Interest In Band Nasty Delicious
Obama promotes economic stimulus plan
Congo says kills Rwandan Hutu rebels, awaits Nkunda | International |
Three killed in Scottish avalanche | International |
Tasmanian devils threatened by contagious cancer
Facts about the endangered Tasmanian devil
Vatican official accuses Obama of 'arrogance'
Indian PM has successful heart surgery
Indian prime minister has successful heart surgery
Israeli official: Obama envoy coming to Mideast
US, Afghan villagers differ over 15 killed in raid
Pakistan urges Obama to halt missile attacks
Indian prime minister's heart surgery successful
Undercover Baltimore Cop Shot Twice In The Jaw
Son of NKorea's Kim has 'no interest' in taking over: report
Taiwan children get sneak preview of pandas
Indian police arrest two Pricewaterhouse officials: reports
China's central bank denies manipulating currency
Obama envoy expected in Middle East next week
Gaza children return to school after war
Bird flu confirmed on Canada turkey farm | International |
Obama weekly address sparks lively debate on YouTube
Hurricane-force winds kill 15 in Spain, France
Elections are test for al-Maliki, Iraq
Hudson 'miracle' pilot gets hero's homecoming
Italy may put '10 times' more troops in cities: Berlusconi
Iraq holds 4th post-Saddam vote
Roman Catholic traditionalists welcome Vatican decree
Turkey urges EU to lift political hurdles in accession talks
Russia says 'ice broken' in chilly NATO relations
Saudi prince: US-Saudi ties at risk if no peace
Dutch club FC Twente make offer for Rukavytsya
Kenzo shows strength in menswear at Paris shows
Bahamas senator accused in Travolta plot resigns
Beauties vie for Miss America crown in Las Vegas
EU meets key Mideast players hoping to kick start peace moves
Chinese gear up to welcome Year of the Ox | International |
Child matador kills six bulls in Mexico
British minister signals troops, equipment boost in Afghanistan
Britain's House of Lords to probe bribe claims
Two suspected militants killed near India capital | International |
Lonely Thaksin vows to keep fighting for Thailand | International |
Russian church prepares to elect new patriarch
North Korean leader's eldest son could still be heir: analysts | International |
Relatives seek missing in Mexico corpse horror | International |
Indian PM Singh makes rapid progress after surgery | International |
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,232
Sri Lanka says it has captured 2 rebel bomb plants
"Lonely" Thaksin vows to keep fighting for Thailand
Ousted Thaksin accuses new Thai PM of copying him
Suicide bomber kills 1, wounds 8 in Afghanistan
Indian police kill two 'Pakistan militants' near Delhi
Two suspected militants killed near Indian capital
Mugabe's daughter studying at Hong Kong University: report
Australian PM to attend Pacific summit
Report: Small earthquake hits northwestern China
Hopes fade for last whale stranded in Australia
Obama's tough yuan stance unlikely to sway China
India's outsourcing sector faces bleak outlook: analysts
Bank-born crisis engulfs workers worldwide
In Philippines, even the Church feels financial pinch
Push claims top prizes at Sundance | Entertainment |
Japan's Nomura to book 3.4 bln dlr loss for Oct-Dec quarter: report
Slumdog claims Hollywood producers' top prize | Entertainment |
Hollywood actors could upset awards apple cart | Entertainment |
Sundance films shine spotlight on global struggles | Entertainment |
Atheism 2.0 -- Indonesia's nonbelievers find refuge online
"Slumdog" claims Hollywood producers' top prize
Hollywood actors could upset awards apple cart
Hong Kong to produce 'world's first 3D sex movie': report
"Slumdog" claims Hollywood producers' top prize
Hollywood actors could upset awards apple cart
Southpaw Obama leads from the left
Obama 'brand' stimulates big merchandise sales
"Push" claims top prizes at Sundance
List of 2009 Sundance Film Festival awards winners
Brazilian model who lost hands and feet dies
Scots to commemorate 250 years since poet Burns's birth
Israel promises troops legal backing over Gaza war
International court starts first war crimes trial | International |
Nine Turkish police arrested in coup probe
Israel promises troops legal backing over Gaza war | International |
Afghans protest against U.S. on civilian deaths report | International |
Japan's Nomura to post $3.4bln loss in Q4: report
China's New Year rush puts trains in line for cash | International |
U.S. missiles don't help Pakistan war effort | International |
France and Spain pick up pieces after deadly storm | International |
Sri Lankan troops inside last big Tiger town | International |
S.Africa court to set Zuma trial date: report | International |
Indonesia's top Islamic body weighs up smoking ban | International |
Women's basketball event excites war-weary Somalis | International |
For President Obama, 'so-far, so good'
At least 40 drown in Vietnam boat tragedy
Tight security in Kashmir ahead of Indian holiday
Indonesian smoking ban debate ends in deadlock
Pakistan takes over main center of suspect charity
Indian police kill 2 suspected Pakistani militants
Global crisis dampens Chinese New Year celebrations
Last whale stranded in Australia dies
China says 29-year old man sick with bird flu
Malaysia lawyers urge independent probe into death in custody
China's New Year rush puts trains in line for cash
Reports: Nomura to post record 3Q net loss
Japan's Toyota to cut production by 20%: report
Nissan chief says auto market to shrink 14%
2 Price Waterhouse employees arrested in India
Economic gloom dampens China's Lunar New Year celebrations
Indonesia's top Islamic body weighs up smoking ban
Redefining trousers, or casting them off altogether?
`Slumdog Millionaire' snags top producer award
Blame game as Mexico City trash piles up
'Push', 'We Live in Public' top Sundance prizes
Top Anglican calls for BBC to air Gaza appeal
Angry protests over 16 dead Afghan civilians
Airbus chief sees 50-60% drop in world aircraft sales
Israel to protect its soldiers from war crimes charges
'We Live in Public', 'Push' win top Sundance prizes
Egypt, Hamas discuss 'lasting' truce with Israel
Iceland commerce minister quits | International |
Ten climbers killed in Turkey avalanche
Chinese give Year of the Ox a noisy welcome | International |
S.Africa says can tackle cholera outbreak | International |
China dams reveal flaws in climate-change weapon
How the Clean Development Mechanism works
China dams reveal flaws in climate-change weapon
Vietnam ferry accident kills 40, mars Tet new year
Sri Lanka troops overrun last Tiger town: army chief
Thai minister to discuss temple dispute in Cambodia
Chinese give Year of the Ox a noisy welcome
David Koresh's Mother Stabbed To Death
Update: Man With AK-47 Responsible For Friday Shooting In Miami
Afghan president: US forces killed 16 civilians
Blagojevich Hires PR Firm To Save Name
Hudson Pilot Gets A Hero's Welcome At Home
China to help job-seeking graduates
Vintage WWII Bombs Discovered Inside U.S. Embassy
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01