Tasmanian Devil
Tasmanian Devil Facts
| Size | 22.4-25.5 inches (57-65 cm) |
| Speed | Up to 8 mph (13 km/h) |
| Weight | 13-18 pounds (6-8 kg) |
| Lifespan | 5 years |
| Food | Small mammals, birds, insects, reptiles |
| Predators | Domestic dogs, foxes |
| Predators | Birds |
| Habitat | Tasmania (Australia) |
| Order | Dasyuromorphia |
| Family | Dasyuridae |
| Scientific name | Sarcophilus harrisii |
| Characteristics | Very curious, aggressive marsupial |
Main Characteristics
The Tasmanian devil is the largest carnivorous marsupial in the world and possesses the strongest bite force of all mammals. At night, it emits eerie screams. Of course, it is not a real devil. However, it is famously known as the cartoon character Taz from the Looney Tunes series featuring Bugs Bunny. This creature is found exclusively on the island of Tasmania in Australia. Alongside the kangaroo, koala, and wombat, it is one of the most recognized animals in Australia.
Where Does the Name Come From?
When European settlers arrived in Tasmania, they heard a chilling growl coming from the bushes. It was from a Tasmanian devil that was out searching for food. Just that alone was enough to frighten them. When these small marsupial carnivores find a carcass and feast on it as a group, they also emit loud, screeching sounds. It can really send shivers down your spine. No wonder the settlers thought of a real devil when it came to naming it.
Species
The Tasmanian Devil is part of the family of carnivorous marsupials. This family includes kalutas, antechinus, dasyures, dunnarts, planigales, and quolls. The Tasmanian tiger, also known as the Thylacine, is another member of this family. Before the Tasmanian devil, the Tasmanian tiger was the largest carnivorous marsupial in Australia. Unfortunately, it became extinct due to excessive hunting.
Way of Life
Tasmanian devils are nocturnal. When night falls, they go hunting. During the day, they rest in thick bushes, hollow logs, or caves. Although they are typically solitary creatures, they often gather to feed on carcasses. During this time, you can frequently hear them growling and screeching as they compete for food.
Distribution and Habitat
Tasmanian devils used to be found across large areas of Australia. Now, they only exist on the island of Tasmania. They prefer habitats like bushland and forests with a mild climate.
Anatomy and Appearance
Size and Weight
Tasmanian devils can reach a body length of up to 25 inches (65 cm) and weigh between 13-18 pounds (6-8 kg). They are roughly the size and weight of a large domestic cat, such as a Maine Coon.
Teeth
The Tasmanian devil possesses strong teeth designed for tearing and cutting meat. They are so robust that they can even crush bones with them.
Fur
The Tasmanian Devil has short brown or black fur. Most of them have a white stripe running across their chest. Some individuals also have white fur at the base of their tail.
Legs
The front legs of this marsupial are longer than its hind legs.
Tail
Tasmanian devils have a clever way to conserve energy. They store excess fat in their tails. An animal with a thin tail is either starving or unwell.
Tasmanian Devil or Wolverine – What’s the Difference?
The Tasmanian devil and the wolverine share numerous similarities. They have comparable body structures, are nocturnal, feed on carrion, and possess a remarkably strong bite. However, the wolverine is a predator, specifically a type of marten. It is not a marsupial. Additionally, it inhabits a completely different region: the northern hemisphere, in the cold forests of the taiga and tundra.
Diet
Tasmanian devils are scavengers. They feed on dead animals such as small mammals, birds, frogs, insects, and reptiles. They even consume bones. In a short period, they can eat a significant amount – up to 40% of their body weight. However, they typically devour around 20% of their own body weight. For instance, an 18 pounds (8 kg) animal could eat up to 3.6 pounds (1.6 kg) of carrion in one meal. Occasionally, these mammals travel up to 10 miles (16 km) in search of food.
Behavior
Yawning or Threatening Gesture?
Tasmanian devils often open their mouths wide. It appears as if they are yawning. However, in most instances, it signifies fear or serves as a threatening gesture. Their jaws are so flexible that they can open their mouths at an angle of 80 degrees. Additionally, they emit a foul odor when they feel threatened.
Fighting Fellow Species
If you see two Tasmanian devils sneezing, it doesn't mean you have two sick animals in front of you. The sneezing is a form of "bluff". They sneeze at each other to scare off the attacker and avoid a fight. They scream and shriek at one another, and amidst all the excitement, their ears turn red. If a fight does occur, the animals can sometimes inflict serious injuries on each other.
Senses and Abilities
Senses
Tasmanian devils possess an excellent sense of smell and hearing.
Greatest Bite Force
The Tasmanian devil has very strong jaw muscles. Among all mammals, it can bite the hardest when considering bite force relative to body size.
Speed
Tasmanian devils may appear slow and clumsy due to their stocky build, but they can run at speeds of up to 8 mph (13 km/h). They cover long distances each night, sometimes reaching up to 10 miles (16 km).
Life Expectancy
In the wild, they can live to be around five years old.
Enemies and Threats
Natural Enemies
Tasmanian devils are among the largest carnivorous animals in Tasmania. They have very few natural predators.
Human Impact
Tasmanian devils often fall victim to fights with unleashed domestic dogs or introduced foxes, die in car accidents, or endure habitat loss. In the past, they were wrongly considered pests! Since 1941, they have been legally protected and have been able to reproduce again. However, the species is still in a precarious situation.
Disease
The biggest threat to Tasmanian devils is a disease known as DFTD ("Devil Facial Tumour Disease"). This is a facial tumor that is transmitted during fights with other devils. It grows in the face and mouth, making it difficult for the animal to eat – leading to starvation. Currently, there is no treatment, cure, or vaccine available. In the past, the disease was less of a concern because there were many animals before humans began to influence their habitat - through pets, introduced species, road construction, and deforestation. The genetic diversity was higher, and their immune systems were stronger.
Conservation Status
The Tasmanian Devil is considered an endangered species. In the 1990s, there were around 130,000 to 150,000 individuals. Now, estimates range from 10,000 to 25,000. Estimates suggest that the species could become extinct in 20-30 years solely due to DFTD.
Importance for the Ecosystem
Tasmanian devils are often referred to as the "vacuum cleaners of the forest". They help prevent the spread of diseases by being scavengers, consuming even the bones of dead animals. No matter how old or decayed something is, they will eat it, keeping their habitat clean and healthy.
Reproduction
Mating and Gestation
Tasmanian devils mate between February and April, with a gestation period of three weeks.
Birth
The female gives birth to 20-30 young at once, who then must race 3 inches (7.6 cm) from the birth canal to the nipples in the mother's pouch. Unfortunately, only four of them can survive, so typically, only a maximum of four young make it. Tasmanian devil babies are also known as "pups" or "joeys".
Growing Up in the Pouch
Tasmanian devils carry their babies safely in their pouch for four months before the little ones can stand on their own.
Youngsters
Once the adorable babies are big enough, they often ride on their mother's back or dangle underneath her belly like koalas. After six months, the little ones leave their mother. If they survive their first year, they can live about five years in the wild.
Fun Facts
Taz in Looney Tunes
In the cartoon Looney Tunes, there is a Tasmanian Devil named Taz. He is perpetually hungry and constantly on the hunt for food. As he spins around at high speed, he resembles a tiny tornado, wreaking havoc wherever he goes. Taz is a bit slow-witted, which gives him no chance against the clever Bugs Bunny.
Funny Relatives
The Tasmanian Devil has a bunch of relatives, and their names are quite quirky: quoll, kaluta, dibbler, and mousesack.
The Tasmanian Devil Is Related To:
- Quoll
Animals in the Same Biome:
Sources:
- „Longest-lived carnivorous marsupial species“ (https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com)
- „Largest marsupial carnivore“ (https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com)
- „Strongest bite for a mammal“ (https://aslopubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
Recommended Videos:
The Strongest Animals in the World
