Tasmanian devil

Description:

Sacrophilus ‘flesh-loving’ referring to the animals scavenging habits. harrisii – named after G.P.R. Harris, who first described the species in 1808. Head & Body 57 - 65 cm Tail length 24 - 26 cm Weight Males 9 kg; Females 7 kg The largest of the living dasyurids, the Tasmanian Devil is a squat animal with large head and short thick tail. The fur is thick and black with irregular white markings on the neck, shoulders and rump. Its powerful jaws give the animal a fierce appearance. Mainly a carrion feeder, the Tasmanian Devil scavenges anything of animal origin, but also in known to take weak or immobilised prey (such as penned poultry) and beetle larvae. Because of its powerful teeth and jaws, it can consume most of the carcass, including the bones, and even crush the skull of a sheep. Generally a nocturnal animal, the Tasmanian Devil runs with an awkward gap, leaving easily recognisable tracks of one print, then two side by side. When chased, it can reach up to 12 kilometres per hour for a short time. Congregating at food sites, they are frequently heard growling and screaming when squabbling. Young devils are adept tree climbers, easily climbing up to 10 metres. During the day they can be found sheltering in caves, old burrows and thick scrub. Tasmanian Devils do not gyrate rapidly as their comic strip character suggests. Mating takes place March-April, with the young being born 3 weeks later. The female has four teats in a posterior abdominal backward opening pouch. A litter consists of up to 4 young (even though she produces up to 40 eggs). These remain in the pouch for 3 – 3 ½ months, thereafter they are suckled in a den until 6 ½ - 7 months of age. Full independence is reached at 9-10 months old. Sexual maturity is reached at around 2 years of age, with a live-span of about 6 years.

Habitat:

In prehistoric times the Tasmanian Devil was widespread over much of eastern mainland Australia, but it now only occurs in Tasmania, inhabiting wet sclerophyll forest, woodland, scrubland and agricultural areas.

Notes:

Abundant in the north east of Tasmania, and common in suburban areas. Tasmanian Devils are often hit by cars whilst feeding on road-kill.