Description
The Tasmanian Devil is the world's largest carnivore marsupial, the Tasmanian devil typically weighs 7.7–13.0 kg (males) or 4.5–9 kg (females), Adult size is reached at two years of age. Having a black coat with variable patches of white on the chest, shoulder and rump, they have a stocky build with an extremely large head. Their jaw is strong and they have heavy molar teeth that are well adapted for their diet. Their long whiskers help them locate prey when foraging in the dark or aid in detecting when other devils are close during feeding. Tasmanian Devils have good senses of sight, hearing, smell, touch, and taste. They have a range of vocalizations that they use to communicate, which include a spine-chilling screech and aggressive growls, as well as physical gestures such as yawning and raising their tails.
The Tasmanian Devil is the world's largest carnivore marsupial, the Tasmanian devil typically weighs 7.7–13.0 kg (males) or 4.5–9 kg (females), Adult size is reached at two years of age. Having a black coat with variable patches of white on the chest, shoulder and rump, they have a stocky build with an extremely large head. Their jaw is strong and they have heavy molar teeth that are well adapted for their diet. Their long whiskers help them locate prey when foraging in the dark or aid in detecting when other devils are close during feeding. Tasmanian Devils have good senses of sight, hearing, smell, touch, and taste. They have a range of vocalizations that they use to communicate, which include a spine-chilling screech and aggressive growls, as well as physical gestures such as yawning and raising their tails.
Habitat/Environment
Tasmanian Devils are widespread across Tasmania from the coast to the mountains seeking out any areas where they can hide, find shelter and find food. These include coastal heaths, open dry sclerophyll forest and mixed sclerophyll-rainforest.
Diet
Tasmanian Devils are mainly scavengers feeding upon the carcasses of dead animals but can also be effective predators. Their source of food includes wallabies, small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects. In farming areas they are also known to feed upon the carcasses of sheep and cattle. Their powerful jaws and teeth enable them to entirely devour their food including bones and fur.
Reproduction
Tasmanian Devils mate in March and after a period of 21 days, 2 - 3 young are born in April. The young are born into their mother's rear opening pouch where they remain, attached to a teat, for 4 months. After this period they begin to venture out of the pouch and they are moved to a den. When they reach 5 - 6 months old they are weaned and they become independent at 8 months old. They become sexually mature at 2 years of age.
Predators
The Tasmanian devils have a few natural predators known to be eagles, owls and spotted tail quolls
Tasmanian Devils are widespread across Tasmania from the coast to the mountains seeking out any areas where they can hide, find shelter and find food. These include coastal heaths, open dry sclerophyll forest and mixed sclerophyll-rainforest.
Diet
Tasmanian Devils are mainly scavengers feeding upon the carcasses of dead animals but can also be effective predators. Their source of food includes wallabies, small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects. In farming areas they are also known to feed upon the carcasses of sheep and cattle. Their powerful jaws and teeth enable them to entirely devour their food including bones and fur.
Reproduction
Tasmanian Devils mate in March and after a period of 21 days, 2 - 3 young are born in April. The young are born into their mother's rear opening pouch where they remain, attached to a teat, for 4 months. After this period they begin to venture out of the pouch and they are moved to a den. When they reach 5 - 6 months old they are weaned and they become independent at 8 months old. They become sexually mature at 2 years of age.
Predators
The Tasmanian devils have a few natural predators known to be eagles, owls and spotted tail quolls