Tasmanian devil analysis challenges study suggesting facial tumour disease decline

Cambridge scientists critique research that concluded the disease is no longer a threat to the species’ survival

• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

Cambridge researchers have challenged a previous study finding that a facial cancer that devastated the Tasmanian devil population was on the decline.

Devil facial tumour disease, a fatal cancer spread through biting and sharing of food, first emerged in the 1980s. The spread of DFTD led to the species being listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in 2008.

Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup