An Introduction to the Tasmanian Devil
Feeding Habits, Conservation and Breeding of These Tasmanian Mammals
Oct 6, 2008
Devils are the size of small dogs, with muscular bodies and thick black fur. They emit an unpleasant odour when they are threatened. Despite being popularised by the Looney Tunes cartoon character ‘Taz’, the Devil is anything but sweet, with a large head, mouse-like features and sharp teeth.
The animals are ferocious when feeding, hunting and scavenging on carrion. A solitary creature, the Devil has a discomforting voice, emitting a loud nerve-wracking screech as its signature call. The animals come together at feeding time, which can be a raucous occasion as they communicate with each other.
Devils were hunted until the 1940s, at which point they became an officially protected species. They were declared to be an endangered species officially in 2008.
Origins of the Name
Devils were given their sinister moniker in 1803, when sailors encountered them for the first time and reported their ‘unearthly’ calls, which sounded almost supernatural. The Tasmanian Devil is an iconic animal within Australia, and serves as the national symbol of the Tasmanian National Parks and Wildlife Service
Facts About the Tasmanian Devil
Tasmanian Devils reach an average weight of 11kg for males, and 7kg for females. They have jaws which are more powerful than that of the tiger, enabling them to hunt and kill efficiently. In relation to their size, Tasmanian Devils have the strongest bite of any living mammal.
Female Devils usually commence breeding when they reach sexual maturity in their second year. They are not monogamous, and males will fight each other to establish dominance. Females only have four nipples, which means they are not capable of providing for large litters. The female devil looks after her young for most of the year, having only six weeks between litters when the young become independent.
Rather than being specialist predators, Tasmanian Devils are opportunistic feeders. They are capable of scenting food from up to one kilometre away.
Devils have at least eleven distinct vocal calls, making them loud and varied communicators. They have a life span of around six years on average. Devils are nocturnal, though they do at times bask in the sun.
Risks for the Future: Conservation in the Face of Disease Risks
Since the 1990s, disease has reduced the population of these creatures significantly. Scientists fear that a cancerous disease identified in Tasmanian Devils, which affects breeding practices and life span through tumours, could render these interesting animals extinct in the wild within 20-25 years. The Tasmanian government is now working hard to protect this species through conservation programmes and extensive study.
Sources:
University of Tasmania School of Zoology
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