Tasmanian Devil

About

Tasmanian devils are stocky with a brownish black pelage. They have a white throat patch, white spots on their sides and backside, and a pinkish snout. The head is massive with well developed jaw muscles. Molar teeth are heavy and adapted for their role in crushing bone and tearing through muscle and thick skin.

Mainly a scavenger with a very varied diet, they will eat almost anything they come across. Its powerful jaws allow it to consume its prey entirely - bones and fur. They can often be heard screaming and squabbling over carcasses.

Unfortunately the Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) has had a major impact on the species across the state and has seen a significant decline in numbers, Thanks to breeding programs and ongoing research numbers have started to improve.

Tasmanian devils are protected in Tasmania

Size

Males weight ranges from 5.5 to 12 kg and female weight from 4.1 to 8.1 kg and range in length from 50cm to 80cm

Habitat

They are most numerous in coastal heath and rangeland areas where agricultural practices maintain a constant supply of carrion. They also occur in open, dry schlerophyll forest and mixed schlerophyll rainforest. Their dens typically are located in hollow logs, caves, or burrows.

Distribution

Endemic and widespread across Tasmania

Gallery

Select any photo or video to view it large with its details and credits.

📷 Brett Vercoe

Local Sightings

1 recorded sighting in and around the area.

References & citations (2)

1. The Atlas of Living Australia (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)
2. Red List of Threatened Species 2008 (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)