Running To Science To Help The Tasmanian Devil
One of the more familiar animals on the endangered animal species list is the Tasmanian Devil. Anyone who has watched several Looney Tunes specials would have seen the Taz do some crazy antics to draw the laughs. However, this particular animal is an endangered animal species because it suffers from its own version of cancer.
It has been more than 10 years since the Tasmanian Devil was put on the endangered list but just now that science is stepping in with a creative plan to save the species. The exact cancer is called Devil Facial Tumor Disease. Tumor start to grow around the mouth area and spreads to the lungs. This leads to wounds and eventually, starvation. The first case was diagnosed 15 years ago in Australia and more than 50% of the population has died since then. It spreads through biting which is something Tazmanian Devils often do to each other. Thus, at the present rate of decline in population, scientists predict extinction in 15 to 20 years.
With genome sequencing, medical researchers are trying to figure a way around the cancer hoping to bring a wee bit of the luck to this animal known for bad luck. Genome sequencing is working with the DNA of the Tasmanian Devils. The project used two Tasmanian Devils known as Spirit and Cedric. The researchers found Cedric and tried altering its DNA which was successful for a time until Cedric died. Spirit was at death’s bed when they found her but researchers were able to revive her and get samples for their study.
They discovered that these species lack genetic diversity. In short, the immune system cannot protect the body from the cancer. Considering that the Tasmanian Devils were able to survive with this “flaw” for many generations suggests that there is hope in the survival of the species. One suggestion was to breed them in captivity under a controlled environment. There is also a vaccination being developed but with no timetable in place, the former suggestion would appear to be the most viable.
Climate change and global warming impacts on species
Endangered animals are at risk due to climate change and many more animals are increasingly at risk of extinction. Our climate is changing and these changes are largely caused by human activities. One of the biggest concerns is the increase in CO2 levels due to emissions from fossil fuel combustion (the use of motorized vehicles, electric power plants, and homes heated with gas or oil). Other factors, including aerosols, cement manufacture. land use, ozone depletion, animal agriculture and deforestation, are also of concern in the roles they play in affecting our climate.
A change in a fraction of the temperature can make a big impact to our planet's environmental system, in other words the ecosystem. The impacts of climate change are large and complex. Climate change affects us and the natural world in many ways and puts further stress on an already pressing global issue. It causes extreme weather and puts animals and plant species at risk of endangerment.
Scientists predict that global warming could contribute to the mass extinction of wild animals in the near future. Animals and plants that are suited to cooler climates will need to move pole-wards or uphill when it becomes even just a little bit warmer. This process has been observed in many places worldwide, including in the Alps, in Queensland (Australia), in Canada, and in the forests of Costa Rica. Fish in the North Sea are moving northwards too. The impacts of climate change on species are becoming so noticeable that their movements can be used as an indicator of global warming.
It is time to take action so we can all help prevent the climate from changing. Driving a car or using electricity is not wrong. We just have to be smart and careful about it. Some people use less energy by sharing a ride. You can save energy by taking the bus, riding a bike, or even walking. Buy energy saving products and appliances. Make use of solar energy wherever possible.
Recycle cans, bottles, plastic bags, and newspapers. When you recycle, you send less waste to the landfill and so you help save natural resources, such as trees and aluminum. You can also help the environment by buying recyclable products instead of non-recyclable ones. Recyclable products are usually made out of things that already have been used. It takes less energy to make recycled products than to make new ones.