<
https://theconversation.com/tasmanian-devil-whiskers-hold-the-key-to-protecting-these-super-scavengers-201468>
"Despite the damage humans cause to the planet, in some cases wildlife can
benefit from the presence of people. The Tasmanian devil, for example,
frequently feeds on roadkill left by humans.
But our new research suggests this apparent benefit can come at a cost.
We compared the diets of Tasmanian devil populations living in three types of
habitat, by examining their whiskers. We found in many cases, Tasmanian devils
may be mostly eating foods inadvertently provided by humans. Accessing this
food changed the behaviours of Tasmanian devils – and potentially put them in
harm’s way.
Our findings are especially important given the risks to Tasmanian devils posed
by an aggressive facial tumour disease. If we’re to protect this endangered
species, we must conserve environments untouched by humans."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
