A trial cull of the furry marsupials was carried out between 2004-2010 on the Forestier Peninsula. This is a remote part of the island of Tasmania, which is the only place in the world where the creatures exist in the wild.

After analysing the results, experts have decided that the number of devils that would need to be caught and killed is just too high.

The cancer, known as Tasmanian devil facial tumour disease (DFTD), was first noticed in 1996. Since then, the population of devils has dropped by a massive 60%.

Scientists are still unsure exactly how the disease spreads, but it is thought to be transmitted from bites during mating.

Writing in the Journal of Applied Ecology, researchers say that there are now only three ways to try and control DFTD. One is to try to develop a vaccine but, since a massive amount of research into human cancers has not found a vaccine, this is thought to be too difficult.

It is possible that some devils may have natural resistance to the disease. Scientists are looking into a small population of devils in north-western Tasmania who seem to be more resistant to DFTD than others.

The last strategy involves isolating healthy populations of devils in large enclosures. Some of these areas are now being set up on Tasmania and on the Australian mainland.