Details
Sarcophilus harrisii
The Tasmanian devil is a nocturnal marsupial of Australian forests and grasslands. Solitary by habit, it may gather around food.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It uses Tasmanian forest, grassland, and scrub. Dens, logs, and rock shelters provide daytime refuge.
Body length is about 57-65 cm and weight about 6-12 kg. A black body, white chest mark, broad head, and powerful jaws give it a stocky build.
Nocturnal individuals range alone over broad areas. Around food, calls and threat displays help maintain spacing.
It is carnivorous, eating small animals and carrion. Strong jaws crush bone and skin, allowing efficient use of carcasses.
Young are born undeveloped and grow in the pouch. Later they wait in a den while the mother returns to care for them.
Its status is listed as Endangered. Disease, road mortality, and habitat change are major threats.
