Tasmanian Devils
Tasmanian Devils Facts
Scientific name: Sarcophilus harrisii
Conservation status: Endangered (Population critically low)
Lifespan: 5-8 years in the wild
Length: 50-65 cm (excluding the tail)
Mass: 6 to 8 kg (males); 4 to 6 kg (females)
More About Tasmanian Devils
The Tasmanian devil is the World’s largest carnivorous marsupial, living in the wild on the island of Tasmania (south-eastern Australia). It is well known for making very loud, disturbing noises and has ferocious feeding habits. The devil is muscular, middle-sized with a black coat and white markings. They are large-headed with powerful jaws and, as a result, are capable of producing one of the most severe bites relative to body size within the mammalian class.
It’s a well-established fact that devils are both nocturnal and solitary animals that mainly scavenge for food. They feed on carrion, small mammals, birds and insects, thus performing the important function of removing dead animals from the ecosystem. Although the devils are thought to be fairly aggressive animals, they are shy and do not pose much threat to people.
The marsupial has a good sense of smell and is well-adapted for night hunting as far as its searching for food is concerned. They are believed to store fat in their tail therefore, the thicker the tail, the healthier they are. They are also good climber and swimmers, which makes them more suitable in the wild world. They can consume up to 40% of their body weight in a single feeding session.
Tasmanian Devil Facts & Tidbits
- The name “Tasmanian devil” comes from the early European settlers who were startled by their eerie screeches and growls, especially during nighttime.
- The scientific name Sarcophilus harrisii translates to “flesh-lover,” a nod to their carnivorous diet.
- Tasmanian devils have a bite force of approximately 553N, which causes them to crush bones to get to the marrow since its concessions are rich in nutrients.
- The black fur may have white patches on the chest or rump, hence the differences in appearance among individuals observed in the wilderness. Female devils have backwards-facing pouches to prevent dirt from entering while scavenging.
- They are mainly solitary but they associate in order to feed. Usually, they fight for the food by making loud noises. This behaviour assists them in creating order and controlling conflicts among them.
Distribution
Tasmanian devils are native to the island of Tasmania where they live in forests, coastal heathlands and agricultural land. They are found all over the island but are most concentrated in areas where there is an abundant supply of food. They used to be found on the mainland of Australia but vanished because of competition with dingoes and altered environments. They are the populations that lived isolated and remained the only living specimens of those particular species found in Tasmania.
Where to See Tasmanian Devils in the Wild
Wild Tasmanian devils can be observed in various national parks and reserves across Tasmania. Popular spots include:
Status of the Tasmanian Devil
IUCN Status: Endangered
Tasmanian devils are a species that suffers a range of threats, one of which is the contagious cancer called Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD). This disease leads to the formation of tumours around the mouth and the face affecting feeding and finally starvation. Devil facial tumour disease or DFTD was found in the 1990’s and it has considerably decreased the number of devils by 80% or more.
Several organizations, including the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program, are working tirelessly to prevent the species’ extinction. Remarkable progress has been made in recent years, with carefully managed populations showing signs of potential resistance to the devastating facial tumour disease.
The Tasmanian devil remains a critical symbol of Tasmania’s unique wildlife and an important indicator of the fragile ecosystem of the region. Their survival represents not just the preservation of a unique species, but the maintenance of an entire ecological balance.
