Tasmanian Devil

SPECIES Tasmanian Devil
TAXONOMY Sarcophilius harrisii
STATUS Endangered (Redlist.org); Endangered (ala.org.au)

Named after the mysterious unearthly screams heard by European settlers, the Tasmanian Devil lived up to its name with it’s red ears, wide jaws, and extremely sharp teeth. However, it is thought that the behaviour is displayed more from fright than aggression!

Fossils evidence that they once roamed the mainland over 3,000 years ago. As the continent became more arid and there was more competition for prey, the Tasmanian Devil became relegated to the island of Tasmania. Devils are found throughout the island where they advantage the interface between the native bush and cultivated land. Being nocturnal, it is mainly a scavenger however it will also hunt and feed on anything accessible including insects, birds, reptiles, small and medium mammals, and large mammal carcasses. They are actually beneficial in removing carrion as it reduces maggots and the risk to a blowfly strike in sheep. Their powerful jaws and teeth will completely consume the carcass including bones, fur, and all. It will roam considerable distances in search of food.

Their behaviour somewhat mimics that of a dog. They love water and will wade, splash, and even lie in water to stay cool. They are good swimmers, however will avoid any distance if carrying young. They have been known to dive underwater in search of prey.

Appearance
The Tasmanian Devil is the world’s largest carnivorous marsupial. It is thick and stocky with a large, broad head and a short tail. Having mostly black fur, white markings on the rump and chest can occur. Males are usually larger weighing up to 12 kgs and standing 30 cm at the shoulder. A healthy Devil will live up to six years in the wild.

Reproduction
They are solitary creatures outside of breeding season. While males will fight each other for dominance, it is still up to the female to decide. Males tend to isolate the female for up to a week until assured she is pregnant. He will then leave her to be the sole parent. Mating occurs between February and May. 

After 21 days, the ‘joeys’ or ‘pups’ are born premature and up to four will latch onto a teat in the mother’s pouch. Usually more are born than can be accommodated. The mother will carry the survivors for four months, whereas they will begin to venture out of the pouch and are left in a simple den. Weaned by six months, by the end of their first year they will leave the den and roam in isolation in search of territory.

Threats
What is now considered to be a Tasmanian Icon has not always been the case. Before European settlement, populations were controlled in nature by competition for prey. In the early 1800s, settlers considered the Tasmanian Devil as a nuisance and along with Tasmanian Tigers (Thylacines), a bounty scheme was introduced to encourage eradication. For over 100 years, both carnivores were poisoned and trapped which led to the extinction of the Thylacine and near extinction of the Tasmanian Devil.  In the early 1940s, the Devil was declared as Protected by Law and populations gradually increased. 

Although loss of habitat and vehicular strike continues as a threat to their continued existence; a serious, contagious, and fatal condition is having a devastating impact on current populations. Since 1996, the identification of Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) has witnessed a 90% decline of populations of the species. This is an infectious cancer that only affects Tasmanian Devils. It is transmitted through close contact, and is one of the few known cancers that can spread as a contagious disease.

Researchers continue in the development and implementation of a vaccine to prevent further outbreaks.  There is no known cure once the animal is infected. As it initiates with mouth and facial tumours, death usually occurs through starvation. If the animal does manage to feed, the tumours will spread eventually to the organs with zero survival rates. Captive breeding of uninfected animals to insure populations has been underway for a number of years. 

Updated 5 May 2021