FAUNA OF TASMANIA
Tasmanian Devil (Sarcophilus harrisii )
Prepared by Dr Menna Jones
Honorary Research Associate
School of Zoology, University of TasmaniaThe largest living marsupial carnivore, the
Tasmanian devil is the size of a small, stoutly-built
dog. Ideal for their role as Australia's only specialized
mammalian scavenger, devils have a massive head with
powerful jaws and strong teeth. Indeed, their scientific
name means flesh (Sarco-) lover (-philus).
Males at 9 kg are larger than females 7 kg; occasionally,
males can reach a massive 12 kg. Their jet black fur,
unusual for marsupials, is usually marked with white on
the chest and sometimes on the rump. While their black
colour, pink ears that flush purple when they are
agitated, and their blood-curdling nocturnal screams
probably earnt them their common name, their true nature,
wary though somewhat belligerent, belies their
reputation.
Once occurring across the Australian mainland, devils
disappeared after the arrival of the dingo. They are now
restricted to Tasmania (Bass Strait prevented dingoes
from getting here). Devils reach highest abundances in
the dry eucalypt forests and woodlands in northern
Tasmania but are found all over the island state.
Although populations have fluctuated this century, their
status seems to be secure.
Devils emerge from their underground burrows
after dark to hunt, moving a steady 8 km a night with a
characteristic loping gait. They forage in dense
vegetation but use tracks for more direct travel. Capable
of climbing trees, young devils particularly catch
sleeping birds and eat possums. Most of the diet of adult
devils, however, is made up of wallabies, pademelons and
wombats, which are killed with a tenacious and powerful
bite to the head or chest. With their supreme sense of
smell, devils find and scavenge any dead animals, from
beached fish to cows. As specialized scavengers, all
parts of a carcass are consumed, except the largest
bones. Large carcasses allow several devils to feed
together, a noisy affair accompanied by much jostling and
ritualized displays of mouthfuls of large teeth.
Interactions with other devils are accompanied by a range
of vocalisations, from soft barks and snorts to monotone
growling, which escalates to screams.
While social interactions are frequent in feeding
aggregations, devils are usually solitary. They use
several dens in their home range, an area of 8-20 square
kilometres which they share with other individuals. The
sexes come together for a short but intense mating season
in March during which time they do not eat. Births occur
three weeks later. Females carry up to four young in a
backwards-facing pouch until August, when they are
deposited in a grass-lined den. Young are weaned and
independent by February.
The characteristic square footprints of the devil and
greyish droppings containing fur and bones may be seen
anywhere in the Tasmanian bush. There is a good chance of
seeing the devils themselves by driving along quiet roads
at night, especially in Mount William, Asbestos Range and
Cradle Mountain National Parks.
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