Tasmanian Devil

The Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) is the world’s largest living carnivorous marsupial.

The Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) is the world’s largest living carnivorous marsupial. It is native to Tasmania, where it is now found in the wild only, and is listed as endangered because of disease, road mortality, and other threats. The species is known for its loud vocalisations and strong bite force relative to its body size.

Description

The Tasmanian devil is a stocky black or dark brown marsupial with a large head, powerful jaws, and a white chest marking in many individuals. It is known for loud vocalisations and strong bite force relative to body size.

Distribution and habitat

The species is now native to Tasmania only and occurs across a range of habitats, including forests, farmland, coastal areas, and some suburban edges. It formerly occurred on mainland Australia but became extinct there thousands of years ago.

Diet and behaviour

Tasmanian devils are carnivores and scavengers that eat carrion as well as birds, reptiles, insects, and small mammals when available. They are mostly nocturnal and can be aggressive when feeding or threatened.

Conservation

The species is listed as endangered by the IUCN and Australian and Tasmanian authorities. Populations have been affected by devil facial tumour disease, habitat-related threats, and vehicle strikes.