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148 Featured Specimen
Tasmanian devil

Details

Tasmanian devil

Sarcophilus harrisii

Size
57–65 cm · 6–12 kg
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Nocturnal
Sociality
Solitary
Lifespan
10-20 years

The Tasmanian devil is a nocturnal marsupial of Australian forests and grasslands. Solitary by habit, it may gather around food.

Range

Habitat range map
Native range Occasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Details

Habitat

It uses Tasmanian forest, grassland, and scrub. Dens, logs, and rock shelters provide daytime refuge.

Appearance

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.

Behavior

Nocturnal individuals range alone over broad areas. Around food, calls and threat displays help maintain spacing.

Feeding

It is carnivorous, eating small animals and carrion. Strong jaws crush bone and skin, allowing efficient use of carcasses.

Reproduction

Young are born undeveloped and grow in the pouch. Later they wait in a den while the mother returns to care for them.

Notes

Its status is listed as Endangered. Disease, road mortality, and habitat change are major threats.