Martin and Chris Kratt search for the elusive Tasmanian devil; includes a description of the animal, its habits and behavior, and an overview of other animals in the area.

The Tasmanian devil is threatened by Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD), a transmissible form of cancer that has reduced the population by over 80%. Persecution, extreme climate events, vehicle collision and habitat destruction also put pressure on this endangered species. The recovery effort to save the Tasmanian devil commenced over 15 years ago as a collaborative initiative between the Tasmanian government, the Australian government, the Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia, and many research institutions. Saving the Tasmanian Devil documents the journey taken by partner organisations in discovering what DFTD is, the effect it has on wild devil populations, and the outcomes achieved through research and management actions. Chapters describe all aspects of devil conservation, including the captive devil populations, applied pathology, immunology and genetic research findings, adaptive management, and the importance of advocacy and partnerships. This book will provide management practitioners and conservation scientists with insight into the complexities of undertaking a program of this scale, and will also be of value to researchers, students and others interested in conservation.

"Did you know that Tasmanian devils are only the size of a grain of rice when they are born? Or that baby Tasmanian devils can climb trees? Learn more fascinating facts all about baby Tasmanian devils in this book!"--

In this addition to the critically acclaimed Scientist in the Field series, Dorothy Patent follows the scientists trying to put a stop to a gruesome disease before it's too late. Tasmanian devils are dying at an alarming rate from a type of tumor that appears to be contagious. What scientists are learning while researching the Tasmanian devil has potential to affect all animals, and even humans, as they learn more about how to prevent and hopefully eradicate certain genetic diseases. In 1995, a deadly disease began sweeping across the Australian island state of Tasmania, killing every infected Tasmanian devil. The disease moved so fast that some scientists feared the species would be wiped out in the wild within a few decades. Where did this disease, named Devil Facial Tumor Disease, come from? What caused it--a virus, bacteria, or something else? How did it pass from one devil to another? What could be done to fight it? When author Dorothy Hinshaw Patent learned of the race to save the devil from her friend, Australian geneticist Jenny Graves, she felt compelled to travel to Australia to learn firsthand from scientists what they were finding out about these iconic Tasmanian animals and what they were doing to help it from disappearing in the wild. Follow Dorothy as she takes readers on a fascinating journey into the Australian mainland and Tasmania, visiting parks and wildlife refuges and joining geneticist, ecologists, and other researchers as they work tirelessly to save Tasmania's unique icon.

Famously feisty Tasmanian devils and perpetually ravenous hyenas may not seem to have a lot in common. However, both carnivores are ready to kill at a moment's notice. For those who wonder what would happen if one beast was pitted against another, this lively volume has the answers. It breaks down each hunter's adaptations that have helped it survive in its wild habitat, such as the Tasmanian devil's brawny bite and the hyena's staggering stamina. Incredible action photographs demonstrate key points in the text, giving readers a ringside seat to a wild fight to the finish.

Though many people are familiar with the cantankerous cartoon character, few people know much about the real-life Tasmanian devil. Tasmanian devils are found only on an island south of Australia. Though they are grouchy and feisty, they’d rather make a lot of noise than fight. Unfortunately, there is nothing comical about the current situation of this increasingly rare marsupial. After being hunted almost to extinction, the remaining population has been decimated by disease. Readers will learn what is being done to save the Tasmanian devils, and will grow a lasting appreciation for this unique animal.

"The book celebrates the intrinsic worth of all plants and animals in order to motivate people in a unified effort to preserve the Earth's rich array of life forms."--Cover.