Tasmanian Devil

Tasmanian Devil, (Sarcophilus harrisii), is the largest carnivorous (meat eating) marsupial in the world. A small animal with a stocky and muscular build, they reach an average 30 inches in length, and can weigh up to 12 kilograms. Their fur is black, with white patches at both the throat and rump, and in the wild are generally very solitary, coming together only to feed and mate. Tasmanian Devils can be quite active during the day, but are nocturnal hunters, and were named by European explorers for their ferocious behaviour while eating and mating, and also for the hideous, loud screeching noises they make. Though mainly a scavenger, in the wild the devil’s prey consists of fish, snakes, birds, insects and small animals.

The Tasmanian Devil is today classified as an endangered species, protected since 1941, and now their population is once again rapidly decreasing, mainly due to devil facial tumour disease. A fatal infectious cancer, it causes large ulcerous lumps to form around the devil’s face and mouth, gradually making it extremely painful and impossible for the devil to eat. Due to this disease, the Australian Government has listed the species as vulnerable. Scientists are working hard to find a cure and the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program is working to save them from extinction.
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