The primary historical threat to Tasmanian devils from humans has been persecution and habitat degradation. Here are some of the main threats to Tasmanian devils from human activities:
1. **Persecution and Hunting**: European settlers in Tasmania historically viewed Tasmanian devils as threats to livestock and wildlife. As a result, they were hunted and persecuted, leading to population declines.
2. **Habitat Loss**: Habitat destruction and fragmentation due to human activities, such as agriculture, urban development, and road construction, have reduced the available habitat for Tasmanian devils.
3. **Roadkill**: Tasmanian devils are often victims of vehicle collisions on roads, which can result in fatalities. Roads can also fragment their habitats and disrupt their movements.
4. **Conservation Efforts**: In the past, some well-intentioned conservation efforts, such as the introduction of non-native predators like the red fox, inadvertently had negative impacts on Tasmanian devils and other native wildlife.
5. **Introduction of Disease**: The introduction of contagious diseases, particularly Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD), has had a devastating impact on Tasmanian devil populations. DFTD is a cancer that spreads through direct contact and has significantly reduced the population numbers.
6. **Climate Change**: Climate change can affect the Tasmanian devil's habitat and prey availability. Alterations in climate patterns may lead to changes in the distribution and behavior of these animals.
Efforts are ongoing to address many of these threats, including legal protections for Tasmanian devils, conservation initiatives, and research into combating DFTD. The species is currently listed as Endangered, and various conservation organizations and government agencies are working to protect and preserve their populations.