Tasmanian Devil

Tasmanian Devil

Devils are widespread across Tasmania from the coast to the mountains. They are famous for their noisy communal feeding at carcasses – the screams and displays are to establish dominance among the group. Many of their seemingly aggressive behaviours are bluff and a way to minimise fighting when feeding communally at a large carcass.

The Tasmanian Devil is mainly a scavenger and feeds on whatever it finds. Its powerful jaws and teeth enable it to devour its prey completely – bones, fur, feet and all! Devils help to maintain bush and farm hygiene by cleaning up carcasses which reduces food for fly maggots.

This iconic Australian animal is now under serious threat from the Devil Facial Tumour Disease, a fatal and contagious condition that is spreading through wild populations. Healesville Sanctuary is part of a breeding program to maintain a healthy population.

Did you know?

  • Devils produce a strong odour when under stress, but not when calm and relaxed
  • Their scientific name ‘Sarcophilus’ means ‘lover of death’ due to their preference for scavenging on already dead animals

 

  • Tasmanian Devils can open their mouths to a 120-degree gape
  • A Devil makes a sharp sneeze as a challenge to other devils, generally before a fight
Class
Mammalia
Order

Dasyuromorphia

Family

Dasyuridae

Species Name

Sarcophilus harrisii