Discovery of genetically different Tasmanian devils offers new hope
In a discovery of consequence for efforts to save Tasmanian devils in the wild, scientists have found some devils from north-west
Tasmania are genetically different and potentially resistant to the deadly cancer threatening the species.
The discovery by University of Sydney and University of Tasmania researchers will have implications for efforts to contain the spread of Devil Facial Tumors Disease (DFTD) which has decimated 70 per cent of the devil population since the first diagnosis in east Tasmania in 1996.
Results from the collaboration, published in the latest edition of the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, describe levels of diversity in key immune genes in Tasmanian devils.
Lead author, University of Sydney Associate Professor Kathy Belov, from the Faculty of Veterinary Science, said the identification of a small number of genetically different devils in the north-west population opened exciting new research opportunities.
"The majority of devils in Tasmania are immunological clones and therefore susceptible to DFTD. This study has identified a group of devils that are genetically different. We think these devils may be able to see the cancer cells as foreign and mount an immune response against them," Associate Professor Belov said.
"We think more animals might survive in the wild than we initially thought."
DFTD is a transmissible cancer that affects only Tasmanian devils and is spread by biting. It is characterized by large facial tumors which often spread to internal organs. The disease has decimated populations on the east coast where the disease was first detected, because of a lack of genetic diversity at key immune genes.
A decade ago the Tasmanian devil was regarded as common but now it is listed as endangered at both a state and national level and extinction in the wild is considered to be a real possibility within 25-35 years.
Associate Professor Belov said the identification of the genetically different devils, may have implications for captive breeding if these devils are resistant to DFTD.
She said the long term aim of the breeding program however, should still be to maintain as much genetic diversity as possible for future generations and that the insurance breeding program should continue unchanged.
"Once we have a handle on the disease, we want to put the healthiest animals back into the wild. For this reason, we need to continue to breed both eastern and north-western devils in captivity. The possibility of breeding and releasing resistant devils into the wild would be an added bonus".
Save The Tasmanian Devil Program manager Andrew Sharman said it has been known for a while that there are populations of devils that appear to be responding differently to the disease, whether there are resistant individuals or not is still unclear at this stage.
"However, this work supports the idea that there may be some inherent resistance associated with these "genetically different devils". Every new piece of research that sheds light on the relationship between the devil genetics, the environment and the disease helps us develop strategies and tools to ensure the long term survival of the species."
This project has been funded by the Australian Research Council; the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program; an Eric Guiler grant; the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industry, Water, Parks and the Environment; Veterinary Science Foundation and the Elizabeth Gabler Charitable Trust.
The work of the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program is also supported by donations through its fundraising arm, the Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal.
Visit: Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal
More Information: Breakthrough Could Save The Tassie Devil
Image Caption: Diseased Tasmanian Devil
Image Credit: Sydney University
Source: Sydney University
Posted by Scientific Frontline under Endangered Species, Univ. Environmental News |
