Outback Info (Private Seiten) © seit 1999

FAUNA OF TASMANIA
Tasmanian Devil (Sarcophilus harrisii )
Prepared by Dr Menna Jones
Honorary Research Associate
School of Zoology, University of Tasmania

The 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.