Tasmanian devils thrown a lifeline by facial tumour that threatens them

Researchers say deadly tumour that has wiped out 80% of the marsupials will evolve to ensure its survival - and devils will do the same

The deadly facial tumour disease that has killed large numbers of Tasmanian devils is evolving to increase infection rates but is unlikely to wipe out the species completely, according to new research.

A study of devils in north-western Tasmania by Australian and British scientists found that the facial tumour disease has been evolving to allow the devils to live for longer, thereby increasing the spread of the infection.