WHAT ARE TASMANIAN DEVILS?
Tasmanian Devils are known by their scientific name of: SARCOPHILUS HARRISII. They are a "marsupial" and won't be mistaken for any other marsupials due to their spine-chilling screeches, black colour, and reputed bad temper. Because of this fierce image, the early European settlers called it "The DEVIL". Although only the size of a small dog, it can sound and look very fierce.
Where are Devils found?
Thousands of years ago, they were found all over Australia as their fossils can be found on the mainland. But today, devils are only found on the island of Tasmania. They are all over Tasmania from the coast to the mountains to the wet rainforest to dry climate areas. Any place they can find shelter by day, and food at night, and be able to hide, is okay for a devil!
How are devils born?
Devils usually mate in March, and the young are born in April. Gestation is 21 days. They can have 30-60 babies born, about the size of a grain of rice, but only four will survive as the mother has a backward-opening pouch with only 4 teats. The baby devils that can reach and hold on to the mothers teat will be the survivors. Generally only 2 or 3 survive. Each baby holds on tight to the teat and is carried in the pouch for about 4 months. Mothers still run around and drag the babies that are holding on for dear life. If they survive this period, they can survive anything! After the 4 month period, the young venture out of the pouch and are left in a simple den- often a hollow log. They are weaned at 5 or 6 months, and thought to have left the mother and be living alone in the bush by late December. They will start breeding at the end of their second year of life. Their life span can be 7-8 years, but is closer to 4-5.
Are Devils a marsupial like kangaroos?
Devils are the world's largest surviving carnivorous marsupial. They have a thick-set squat build, with a relative large, broad head and short, thick tail. The fur is mostly or wholly black, but white markings often occur on the rump and chest. Body size varies
depending on their diet and habitat. Adult males are usually larger than adult females. Large males weigh up to 12kg (about 24lbs) and can stand 30 centimeters high(about 28 inches) at the shoulder.
What do Devils eat?
The Devil is mainly a scavenger and feeds on whatever is available. Powerful jaws and teeth enable it to completely devour its prey- bones, fur, and all. Wallabies (small kangaroos), and various small mammals and bird are also eaten. Reptiles,amphibians, insects and sea squirts have been found in the stomaches of wild devils. Carcasses of sheep and cattle provide food in farming areas. Devils maintain bush and farm hygiene by cleaning up carcasses of dead animals. This helps the farmer's sheep by preventing
disease that comes from maggots eating the decaying carcasses.
On a side note, devils are famous for their rowdy communal feeding at these carcasses. The noise and actions they take are used to establigh dominance among the pack of devils.
Are Devils nocturnal?
The devils are a nocturnal animal, meaning it becomes more active after it gets dark. However, they are out during the day, usually hiding in dens or dense bush. It can roam considerable distances, sometimes going as far as 10-14 miles in a day, along well defined trails in search of food. It usually ambles slowly with a characteristic gait but can gallop quickly with both hind feet together. Young devils are more agile and oftentimes climb trees. Although not territorial, devils have a home range.
Are they dangerous?
Like any wild animal, if threatened or if they feel you mean them harm, the devil can become aggressive. For the most part, they are not dangerous. The famous gape or yawn of the devil looks threatening, but that can be misleading. This action is performed more from fear and uncertainty than from aggression. Devils produce a strong odor when under stress, but when calm and relaxed, they are not smelly. The devils make a variety of fierce noises, from harsh coughs and snarls to high pitched screeches. A sharp sneeze is used as a challenge to other devils, and frequently comes before a fight. Many of these spectacular behaviors are a bluff and part of a ritual to minimize harmful fighting when feeding communally at a large carcass.
Can Devils be pets?
No. They are not to be used as pets. While we have been able to hold them or touch them, this was only done within the confines of a wildlife preserve and under the strict guidance of a animal curator. We have even held a baby only the size of a small mouse in our hands and had the baby devil nurse our finger as if it were their mother's teat. NEVER approach one in the wild or attempt to catch one or handle one on your own.
Are Devils protected?
Absolutely! Devils are protected from hunting; harming; or capturing in any way.
What is the disease that is killing the population?
DFTD. Known as the Devil Facial Tumour Disease.
The first signs of the devil disease were observed in 1996. It is a new and fatal condition that is characterized by cancers around the mouth and head, and restricted to Tasmanian Devils. Once the cancer becomes visible, it proves fatal within 3-12 months.
Research indicates the disease is transmissible between devils, and new cases continue to occur in areas that were previously disease free. Recent trapping results confirm the disease in 59% of the State of Tasmania. The total population has declined by about 50+ per cent since the emergence of the disease 10-years ago. Recent analysis of monitoring data indicates that while the disease mainly affects adults, immature devils less than one year old can also be infected.
What is being done to help the Devils?
There is a lot of different programs going on and research being done. This website will try to keep you posted on a regular basis on things happening around the world, primarily in Tasmania. As we develop this website, we will share that information with you to share with others.
One big project is being coordinated by the Department of Primary Industries and Water (DPIW) in Tasmania. Their task is to investigate the Tasmanian Devil disease and identify management options. It draws upon input from researchers and experts across the state, the nation, and the world.
The program focuses on four key areas:
-Monitoring populations in the field to clarify disease distribution and impacts.
-A laboratory-based investigation of the disease covering its transmission and possible causes.
-Wild management methods to try to control the impact of thd disease on wild populations.
-A captive breeding population with "founders" taken from areas of the State where there hasn't been any record of the disease.
Tell me more.......
We will do that in the future, so keep checking this website for more information. The information on this site is taken from a variety of other websites as well as from devil research centers. It is presented for informational purposes and is not considered to be the final source. Our goal is to provide you with a general knowledge and understanding of what is happening with the Tasmanian Devil.
