devil facial tumor disease
Devil facial tumor disease (DFTD) is a contagious cancer that affects Tasmanian devils, a species native to Tasmania. This disease is characterized by the growth of tumors on the face and inside the mouth, making it difficult for the animals to eat and leading to a decline in their population.
DFTD is transmitted through biting, which is common during the devils' aggressive social interactions. Since its discovery in the late 1990s, the disease has significantly impacted Tasmanian devil numbers, prompting conservation efforts to protect this endangered species and study the disease's biology.