Tasmanian Devils

Tasmanian Devils are carnivorous marsupials native to the island state of Tasmania, Australia. They are the world's largest carnivorous marsupial, and are known for their loud and menacing screeches. Tasmanian Devils are nocturnal, and usually spend their days in burrows or sheltered areas.

Meta Information

Scientific Name

Sarcophilus harrisii

Average Lifespan

Up to 5 years in the wild

Average Size

Up to 5 kg and 60 cm in length

Similar To

Dingo, Tasmanian Tiger, Quoll, Wombat

Lifecyle

Tasmanian Devil females give birth to up to 50 young at a time, which are born after a gestation period of 21 days. The young are only the size of a grain of rice, and must climb up their mother's fur to reach her pouch. The young remain in the pouch for about four months, after which they start to emerge from the pouch and are weaned at around nine months.

Diet

Tasmanian Devils are primarily carnivorous, and feed on a variety of animals including small mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and insects. They have also been known to scavenge carrion.

Habitat

Tasmanian Devils inhabit a variety of habitats, including dry sclerophyll forests, wet eucalypt forests, and coastal heathlands. They are also found in open grasslands, and in urban areas.

What is a Tasmanian devil?

The Tasmanian devil is a carnivorous marsupial native to the island of Tasmania, off the coast of Australia. They are the largest carnivorous marsupial in the world, and are known for their aggressive behavior and distinctive facial markings. Tasmanian devils are nocturnal and solitary animals, and are known for their loud vocalizations, which range from grunts and growls to high-pitched screeches.
What do Tasmanian devils eat?

Tasmanian devils are opportunistic feeders and will eat almost anything, including small mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, and carrion. They are also known for their powerful jaws and can crush bones to extract the marrow inside. Tasmanian devils are efficient scavengers and are often seen feeding on roadkill and other dead animals.
Why are Tasmanian devils endangered?

Tasmanian devils are listed as endangered due to a highly contagious and deadly facial tumor disease called Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD). The disease is spread through biting and causes tumors to develop on the face and mouth, making it difficult for the animal to eat and eventually leading to death. The disease has decimated the Tasmanian devil population, with some estimates suggesting that the population has declined by 80% since the disease was first discovered in the mid-1990s. Conservation efforts are underway to try and save the species, including breeding programs and research into potential treatments for the disease.
How do Tasmanian devils reproduce?

Tasmanian devils are marsupials, which means that females give birth to relatively undeveloped young that continue to develop outside of the womb in a pouch. Females typically give birth to 20-30 young, but only a few will survive to adulthood. Tasmanian devils have a unique mating behavior where males will bite the female on the neck and engage in a prolonged mating session that can last up to an hour.
Where can I see Tasmanian devils?

Tasmanian devils are primarily found in the wild on the island of Tasmania, but can also be seen in zoos and wildlife parks around the world. In Australia, there are several wildlife parks and sanctuaries that offer the opportunity to see Tasmanian devils up close, including Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and Tasmania Zoo. In other parts of the world, you can see Tasmanian devils in zoos and wildlife parks in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Japan.
Can Tasmanian devils be kept as pets?

No, Tasmanian devils cannot be kept as pets. They are wild animals and are protected by law in Tasmania, where it is illegal to keep them as pets without a special permit. Tasmanian devils are also difficult to care for, as they require specialized diets and habitats that are not suitable for domestic settings. Additionally, Tasmanian devils can be aggressive and dangerous, particularly when cornered or threatened. It is best to admire Tasmanian devils from a safe distance in the wild or in a reputable wildlife park or sanctuary.
What is the lifespan of a Tasmanian devil?

The lifespan of a Tasmanian devil in the wild is typically around 5-7 years, although they can live up to 8 years in captivity. Tasmanian devils face numerous threats in the wild, including disease, habitat loss, and predation by introduced species such as foxes and feral cats. The impact of Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD) has also greatly reduced the lifespan of Tasmanian devils in recent years, with some individuals dying within months of contracting the disease. Conservation efforts are underway to try and save the species and increase their lifespan in the wild.

10 Fun Facts About

1. Tasmanian Devils are the largest carnivorous marsupial in the world. 2. Tasmanian Devils can run up to 13 miles per hour. 3. Tasmanian Devils have a specialised sense of smell, which helps them to locate food. 4. Tasmanian Devils are mainly solitary animals, but can be seen in groups during the mating season. 5. Tasmanian Devils can live for up to 5 years in the wild. 6. Tasmanian Devils have a very loud and menacing screech, which can be heard up to 1 mile away. 7. Tasmanian Devils are able to climb trees and swim. 8. Tasmanian Devils are mostly nocturnal, and spend their days in burrows or sheltered areas. 9. Tasmanian Devils have a powerful bite, and can crunch through bone. 10. Tasmanian Devils are listed as endangered in the wild.