Tasmanian devil or marsupial devil (lat. Sarcophilus laniarius). Interesting facts about the Tasmanian devil Animals of Australia Tasmanian devil
Tasmanian devil(Sarcophilus laniarius or Sarcophilus harrisii) is almost impossible to be mistaken for any other species of marsupial mammal. His terrible screech, black color and famous bad character, led early European settlers to call this nocturnal predator the devil. Although this animal is comparable in size only to a small dog, it can “sound” and look incredibly intimidating and cruel, which allows it to be confidently identified even by beginners who are unsure of the representatives of the fauna of Australia and Tasmania.
The Latin name of the animals is Sarcophilus harrisii. literal translation means "Harris Meat Lover" after the explorer who first described the Tasmanian devil.
The world's largest extant carnivorous marsupial mammal, Tasmanian devil is a predator of a dense, stocky build, with a relatively large, wide head and a short, thick tail. The fur color of this animal is mostly completely black, but white markings are often found, most often located on the rump and chest. The Tasmanian devil's body size also varies greatly, depending on its diet and habitat. Adult males are usually larger than adult females. Large males can weigh up to 12 kg and be about 30 cm tall at the withers.
The historical place of origin of the current Tasmanian devil is mainland Australia. Fossils of the ancestors of this animal have been found over a wide area of the mainland. However, scientists believe that devils died out on the mainland itself about 400 years ago, long before European settlement began. These animals most likely disappeared there as a species due to the increasing aridity of the region and the expansion of the dingo's habitat, which only the Bass Strait prevented from entering Tasmania.
Today the devil is symbol of Tasmania. But it wasn't always like this. The first European settlers in Tasmania considered devils a nuisance and a serious nuisance, constantly complaining of these predators raiding people's poultry houses. In 1930, Van Diemen's Land Co was forced to offer the public and hunters a very generous bounty to remove devils, as well as Tasmanian tigers and wild dogs, from their habitat in the north-west region. : 2/6 (25 cents) for a male devil and 3/6 (35 cents) for a female of the species.
These measures led to the fact that by the middle of the 20th century, almost the entire population of devils was caught in traps and poisoned. These animals became very rare and their species seemed to be on the way to complete extinction. But the numbers of these animals began to gradually increase after they were protected by law in June 1941.
Despite declines in the species over the past 15 years due to widespread cancer, devil populations remain widespread across Tasmania, from the coast to the highlands. They successfully take root in coastal heaths, and in open dry (sclerophyllous) and mixed, sclerophyllous-tropical forests. In fact, these animals are quite versatile and unpretentious; they can hide in almost any place and find shelter for the day, as well as find food for themselves at night.
Devils usually conceive in March, with cubs born as early as April. Pregnancy lasts, on average, 21 days. Newborns are always born somewhat more than the mother’s pouch, which has only four nipples for feeding the cubs, can accommodate. Although the mother's pouch is adapted to fully raise and feed four puppies, it is rare for such a number of young individuals to survive. The average number of cubs that survive and grow up is usually two or three puppies. Each of the newborns is firmly attached in the pouch to the mother's nipple and remains in this position for about 4 months. After this time, young and stronger puppies begin to occasionally crawl out of the bag, and then leave it altogether, remaining in a spacious hole - most often, this is a hollow log.
The young are weaned at five to six months of age and are believed to remain with their mother, who continues to live with them until about the end of December. Tasmanian devils probably begin breeding at the end of their second year of life. The average longevity of individuals of this species reaches 7-8 years.
The devil is primarily a scavenger and feeds on whatever is available. Nature has equipped this predator with powerful jaws and teeth so that it can completely devour its prey, including bones, furs, horns and hooves. The main diet of the Tasmanian devil consists of wallabies, as well as various small mammals and birds, which these predators eat either as carrion or prey. In the stomachs of these wild "demons" reptiles, amphibians, insects and even sea crustaceans were found. Sheep and cattle carcasses cattle, provide food for the Tasmanian devil in agricultural areas. Devils play a significant role in maintaining proper sanitation around livestock farms by clearing the area of the carcasses of dead domestic animals. By removing food for the larvae in this way, it significantly helps reduce the risk of blowflies spreading and prevent sheep deaths.
Devils are famous for their noisy gatherings that accompany the process of devouring a large carcass. Loud noise and specific sounds produced by individuals are used to establish individual dominance among members of the pack.
The devil leads night look life (they are most active after dark). During the day, they usually hide in a den, or in dense bushes. While hunting, these animals travel significant distances per day, up to 16 km, along clearly defined paths, walking around their possessions in search of food. They usually move rather slowly, with a characteristic gait, but can also jump quickly, using both hind legs to push off the ground at the same time. Young devils are more flexible and can even climb trees, although this is not the species' immediate habitat.
Eyewitnesses are well aware of the appearance of a yawning devil, which looks so menacing that it can be misleading. Appearance An animal in this state can provoke the development in the observer of more fear and uncertainty than even the direct manifestation of aggression on the part of this predator.
When under stress and taking defensive measures, devils emit a strong, repulsive odor, but when calm and relaxed, they are not offensive. The devil makes a variety of threatening sounds, from a sharp specific cough to a high-pitched screech. Sharp sneezing is used by the individual as a challenge to other devils, which often leads to a fight. Many of these exciting behaviors are bluffs and part of a ritual designed to minimize the effects of harmful fighting that often occurs during communal feeding around a large carcass.
In May 2008, the Tasmanian devil's status was officially upgraded from endangered to endangered.
The Scientific Advisory Committee's (SAC) endangered species expert has completed its five-year review of the species listed under the National Act and has recommended that the Tasmanian devil's status be moved up the list due to its increasing vulnerability.
Traditionally, the population size of this species is controlled by food availability, competition with other devils, habitat loss, and persecution by predators and poachers. But today, the greatest threat to the Tasmanian devil population is death from a spreading cancer infection called Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD).
Since 1941, the Tasmanian devil has been chosen as the symbol of Tasmania. national parks And hunting farm. Currently, Tasmanian devils are fully protected by law as a potentially endangered species.
Tasmanian devils are known to start eating dead animals from their digestive system, since these are the softest organs.
Devils can eat food weighing 5-10 percent of their own body weight per day, and even more if they are very hungry. Given the opportunity, the devil can eat food that is 40 percent of his weight, and in record short terms- in half an hour.
Devils have several natural enemies. Small individuals can fall prey to eagles, owls, and even their relative the spotted-tailed marsupial.
These animals can emit a disgusting odor when under stress.
Animals can open their mouths very wide when they want to express fear or hesitancy. To challenge another devil to a duel, animals make shrill sounds.
The tail of a healthy devil has good reserves of fat, so sick animals have very skinny and flabby tails.
The Tasmanian devil (or, as it is also called, the marsupial devil) lives on the Tasmanian island, which is one of the Australian states. Previously, Tasmanian devils lived on the continental territory of the country, but they could not compete with the dingo dogs that the first settlers brought to the continent. Tasmanian devils avoid places inhabited by humans and find refuge near sheep pastures.
The Tasmanian devil is a predator, which is why it has sharp fangs. The size is about the size of a small dog, the weight of an adult Tasmanian devil is about 12 kilograms. The animal has a black color, which becomes lighter in the nose area. The Tasmanian devil can be identified by the horizontal white stripe on its sternum. Males larger than females. Females have folds on the skin similar to a bag. In the tail area of the Tasmanian devil there are body fat, which serve as a reserve of energy in case of prolonged hunger. A fasting Tasmanian devil's tail fat gradually disappears.
The Tasmanian devil feeds on birds and small animals - it can often be seen trying to catch small animals near bodies of water. However, Tasmanian devils do not disdain carrion left by other predators. They can also eat edible plants and roots. When eating food Tasmanian devil makes loud sounds that can be heard within a kilometer radius.
Tasmanian devils can swim and climb trees. They live mostly alone, meeting each other during mating season, which starts in April.
Video: Predator Instinct - Devil's Island: Tasmanian Devil (ASHPIDYTU in 2004)
Touching upon the topic of marsupials, it is impossible to ignore one of the most famous inhabitants of the island of Tasmania - the Tasmanian (Tasmanian) devil. Due to its black coloring, stocky powerful body, huge mouth with sharp teeth, terrible taste preferences and increased aggressiveness, Europeans called this animal the “devil”. And, you know, it’s not in vain. Even its Latin name has something sinister - Sarcophilus translated as “lover of flesh.”
This devil can now only be found on the island of Tasmania, in the central, northern and western parts of the island. Although it previously inhabited mainland Australia, where it disappeared 400 years before the appearance of the first Europeans. But with the appearance of Western people on the island, the fight against this animal began. Although, probably, there was a reason - the Tasmanian devil was widely engaged in the destruction of chicken coops. I want to eat. In addition, the meat of this animal, which tasted like veal, was to our liking local residents.
As a result of the extermination that began, marsupial devils were forced to settle in undeveloped forest and mountainous areas Tasmania. Its numbers continued to decline steadily. But apparently the lesson benefited the people, and they came to their senses in time. In June 1941, a law was passed banning the hunting and destruction of this animal. The population was restored. Now the Tasmanian devil is quite widespread in areas reserved for sheep pastures (closer to food sources), as well as in the national parks of Tasmania.
The “devil” himself doesn’t look like a devil at all. Except he has a very bad character, and he growls so loudly that it sends goosebumps down your spine. The Tasmanian devil is currently the largest marsupial predator. Previously, this status belonged to . It is the size of a small dog, however, thanks to its dense, squat body and dark, almost black color with white spots on the throat and sides, it can resemble a brown bear cub.
Sleeping "bear cub" The body length does not exceed 80 centimeters, followed by a 25-30 centimeter tail, sometimes thick and fluffy, and sometimes thin and hairless. This part of the body is a kind of “storehouse” for fat for the devil. In a starving animal, it becomes thin and long hairs often fall out.
Limbs are strong and short. The front legs are slightly longer than the hind legs, which is unusual for marsupials. The head is large, but their jaws are a different story altogether. They are so strong and powerful that an animal can easily bite and crush bones with them. The devil can easily bite through the spine or skull of his prey.
Powerful and strong jaws The marsupial devil is very gluttonous and indiscriminate in food. It feeds on almost everything: small and medium-sized animals, birds, insects, amphibians, snakes, plant tubers and edible roots. Carrion is also included in his diet, and, moreover, is almost one of the main dishes. They eat any corpses, preferring already decomposed rotten meat. Only the largest bones remain from the animal's corpse. Thus, the Tasmanian devil serves as the island's natural orderly.
Division of spoils The female carries 2-4 cubs in her pouch. Although initially she brings up to 20-30 cubs, most who dies before reaching the bag. The “lucky ones” develop quickly; by the age of 3 months they are covered with fur and their eyes open. Feeding of the cubs continues until 4-5 months of age, but 7-8 months after birth the babies finally leave their mother and begin to live independently. Puberty in females it occurs in the second year of life.
Female with cubs 
These animals are nocturnal, and daytime most often they take refuge in the crevices of stones, in empty holes, or in bushes and make a nest for themselves from bark, leaves and grass. Sometimes they can be seen basking in the sun. At night they walk around their properties in search of prey, most often carrion.
Devils are loners. They gather in small groups only when eating occurs. large production. Sometimes during such feasts, skirmishes occur between males, accompanied by fights with a terrifying growl, which has given this animal a bad reputation.
But, despite its terrible character, some residents keep the marsupial devil as a pet. They can be tamed, although you should do it carefully and it’s better to start with the cubs, otherwise you may be left without fingers.
In the note about the thylacine, we said that in addition to extermination by humans, this species of marsupial was attacked by canine plague, which claimed the lives of many animals. This is how the Tasmanian devil developed its own disease. It's called "devil's face disease" devil facial tumor disease) or DFTD.
The disease was first reported in 1999. It causes numerous malignant tumors on the animal's head, which then spread throughout the body. Tumors block the animal's vision, hearing and mouth. It can no longer hunt or eat and dies of hunger. The disease is caused by a virus transmitted to a healthy animal during fights and bites. According to sources, DFTD is unique to these animals and its outbreaks recur every 80-150 years.
Various anti-epidemic measures are being carried out, including the capture of sick animals, as well as the creation of “reserve” populations in case the animal dies out from this disease. Unfortunately, there is no cure for it yet.
Ecology
Basics:
Tasmanian devils are the largest carnivorous marsupials in the world. Adults are the size of an average dog and have stocky and muscular bodies. They can reach 80 centimeters in length and weigh up to 12 kilograms.
Devils have black fur and a white stripe on their chest. They usually lead a solitary lifestyle, but sometimes they can unite in small flocks while eating the carcass of a large animal.
Unlike others marsupials of Australia, Tasmanian devils can be active during the day, although they are nocturnal hunters. Devils were named by European explorers who heard their loud, shrill calls and observed their ferocious nature during feeding and mating season.
According to research, the huge head and neck of Tasmanian devils allow them to inflict the most strong bite per unit of body weight among all terrestrial predators, and their jaws are strong enough to bite through metal traps.
Despite the fact that Tasmanian devils look fat, they are excellent at climbing trees and swimming across stormy rivers. Devils can't run with high speed to catch prey, but they are quite resilient and can run at a speed of 24 kilometers per hour for an hour.
Tasmanian devils feed on the meat of snakes and birds, fish and insects. Their victims can be animals the size of small kangaroos. When hunting, Tasmanian devils rely on their keen eyesight and excellent sense of smell. They are not particularly picky eaters and will eat all parts of an animal's body, including fur and bones. Sometimes devils bury animal corpses in the ground and then eat the carrion.
Female Tasmanian devils give birth after 3 weeks of pregnancy and give birth to 20-30 very tiny cubs. These pea-sized babies get into the pouch, but not all survive, since the mother has only 4 nipples. After 4 months of living in the pouch, the evil devils emerge from it, but are still dependent on the mother. At the age of 8 months they begin to lead an independent life. In the wild, the life expectancy of these animals is 7-8 years.
Habitats:
Tasmanian devils once lived throughout almost all of Australia, but today they live exclusively on the island of Tasmania. Researchers believe that devils disappeared from the mainland at the same time that native tribes spread across Australia, and wild dingoes appeared about 3 thousand years ago.
Today, Tasmanian devils, as the name suggests, live on the island of Tasmania, but most of these animals can be found in wooded areas off the coast. In the 19th century, Tasmanian devils began to be mercilessly exterminated, as local farmers viewed them as sworn enemies of their livestock. They almost became extinct, but timely measures taken to save these animals allowed them to increase their populations.
Security status: endangered species
Tasmanian devils became protected in 1941, but last decade their population has dropped by 60 percent. Scientists believe that the reason for the decline in animal numbers is mainly due to an infectious, deadly form of cancer that affects devils and spreads very quickly. Tumors form on the devils' faces, making it more difficult for the animals to eat. The devils' problem is also the traffic on the roads.
Tasmanian devils are known to start eating dead animals from their digestive system, as these are the softest organs.
Devils can eat food weighing 5-10 percent of their own body weight per day, and even more if they are very hungry. Given the opportunity, the devil can eat food that is 40 percent of his weight, and in record time - in half an hour.
Devils have several natural enemies. Small individuals can fall prey to eagles, owls, and even their relative the spotted-tailed marsupial.
These animals can emit a disgusting odor when under stress.
Animals can open their mouths very wide when they want to express fear or hesitancy. To challenge another devil to a duel, animals make shrill sounds.
The tail of a healthy devil has good reserves of fat, so sick animals have very skinny and flabby tails.
Latin name of animals - Sarcophilus laniarius literally translated means "Harris Meat Lover" named after the researcher who first described the Tasmanian devil.
Tasmanian devils have recently become very popular exotic pets, especially in the United States. Every day everything more people neglects traditional pets like cats and dogs to buy lovable Tasmanian devils. Although Tasmanian devils have gotten a bad reputation thanks to the bad Looney Tunes character Taz, they truly are one of the most lovable animals to have in your home. Let's find out a little more about our new furry friend.
Character and behavior of the Tasmanian devil
Tasmanian devils have a uniquely grumpy disposition and will fly into manic rages when threatened by a predator, fighting for a mate, or defending their prey. Early European settlers nicknamed it "the devil" after witnessing similar displays of it baring its teeth, attacking, and emitting a chilling, guttural roar.
Photo. Cartoon hero, Taz
This amazingly vicious mammal has coarse brown or black fur, and its stocky build reminds us of a growing bear cub. Most have a white stripe or spot on the chest, as well as light spots on the sides or back. These animals have short hind legs and long front legs, which gives them the gait of a pig.
The Tasmanian devil is the world's largest carnivorous marsupial, reaching 76 cm (30 in) in length and up to 12 kg (26 lb) in weight, although its size varies depending on the specific habitat and food availability. The non-standard size head is armed with strong muscular jaws and sharp teeth. In terms of bite force per unit weight, its bite is one of the most powerful bites among mammals.
The Tasmanian devil is clearly a carnivore, hunting small prey such as snakes, fish, birds and insects and often feasting on carrion in groups. They often make a lot of noise as they fight for position while eating a large carcass. Like other marsupials, when they are well fed, their tails swell with stored fat.
Tasmanian devils are hermits and nocturnal, spending their days in burrows, caves or hollow logs and emerging at night to feed. They use their great feeling sense of smell, long whiskers and vision to avoid predators and find prey or carrion. They eat almost anything they can get their teeth into, and when they do find food, they are very voracious, eating everything including organs, hair and bones.
Females give birth after three weeks of gestation to 20 to 30 very tiny babies. These raisin-sized babies crawl through their mother's fur and into her pouch. However, the mother only has four nipples, so not all babies survive. Babies emerge from the pouch after about four months and, as a rule, are weaned by their mother in the sixth month or do so on their own in the eighth month.
Previously, Tasmanian devils lived throughout Australia, today they are found in wild conditions can be seen on the island state of Tasmania of the same name. In Tasmania, they live throughout the island, although some can be found in coastal forests and bushes. Experts believe that their disappearance on the mainland is due to the appearance of the dingo or Asian dogs.
In the late 1800s, efforts were made to eradicate Tasmanian devils (farmers mistakenly believed they were killing livestock, although they have been known to take poultry), were very successful. In 1941, the Australian government classified the Tasmanian devil as a protected species, and today its numbers are constantly growing.
Endangered
In the mid-90s it was discovered terrible disease, due to which tens of thousands of Tasmanian devils died. This disease is called Tasmanian devil facial tumor disease (DFTD) and is a rapidly spreading rare species cancer, which causes large tumors to form around the animal's mouth and head, making it difficult for the animal to eat. Eventually, the animal dies of starvation. Experts on these animals are focused on a captive breeding program to save this species from extinction. Due to the DFTD outbreak, the Australian government has classified Tasmanian devils as a vulnerable species.
Video. Angry Tasmanian devil
Fortunately, a recent study published in the journal Nature Communications, in which scientists studied samples of these animals dating from 1999-2014, reports that the Tasmanian devil genome is rapidly mutating. Seven genes have been discovered that characterize immunity to cancer in humans. Therefore, scientists are confident that the Tasmanian devil will survive and develop immunity to this incurable disease.
Some interesting facts about the Tasmanian devil
1. Insanely powerful bite. Tasmanian devils do not attack humans unless provoked, but they are not afraid to defend themselves. When they bite, their powerful jaws can cause great harm. Their bite per unit body weight is 540 kg per square inch! This is strong enough to break the metal trap.
2. Small but fierce. These strong animals can swim across the river and climb onto the most tall tree. If necessary, they are capable of running for an hour at speeds of up to 12 miles per hour.
Photo. Tasmanian Devil's Mouth
3. Signaling ears. If you're not entirely sure whether a Tasmanian devil is angry (growling doesn't count), pay attention to the color of its ears. An angry Tasmanian Devil's ears will change in color from pink to bright fiery red.
4. Secret weapon. Even though they are ferocious, they prefer to run away rather than fight another animal. If they feel threatened by other animal species, they can release a terrible odor that resembles that of a skunk. When preparing for a confrontation with another Tasmanian devil, these creatures warn of their displeasure by sneezing and roaring similar to that made by a pig when it is slaughtered.
5. Big appetite. Tasmanian devils eat 5-10% of their body weight in food every day. If they are really hungry, these creatures are known to be able to eat up to 40% of their body weight in just 30 minutes.
6. Scientific name. The official scientific name of the Tasmanian devil is Sarcophilus Harrisii, which translates from Latin language means "lover of flesh."
7. As a symbol. The Tasmanian devil is a symbol of both the Tasmanian National Park Service and wildlife, as well as the former Australian rules football team, the Tasmanian Devils. He also received his own commemorative Australian dollar coin in the early 1990s. This animal is also very popular among tourists.
8. Nocturnal animals. Although these animals are not so numerous, the chances of seeing them increase if you drive along the road after dark. national parks or to high mountain lakes.
9. Tails are a sign of health. The Tasmanian devil's tail stores fat, and if its tail is skinny, then this is a sure sign of a sick or starving animal.
10. Females have pouches. The pouch in females is shaped like a horseshoe and opens backwards. This is a very clever design and avoids dirt filling the bag when the animal digs. There are only 4 nipples in the bag.
Video. Glutton in Tasmania
Tasmanian devil as a pet
Before you decide to get this animal, you should read this section of the article. Tasmanian devils do not like water. Devils are known to go into "psychotic rages" when forced to take baths. During this time they become very confused and anxious, they may run in circles endlessly and crash into a wall at top speed.
Unlike cats and dogs, the Tasmanian devil is easy to feed. They eat any remains, carrion and corpses. They also enjoy live food and are happy to hunt down and eat something, even if it means getting into a fight. Their prey can be: cats, ferrets, dogs, iguanas, cows, horses and even elephants. Yes, you are probably wondering how they can kill an elephant? Their jaws are so strong that they can crush the heads of elephants like a vice like a coconut.
Tasmanian devils also have many cute traits. They can be friendly, pleasant and even loving... as long as they are not irritated. Tasmanian devils can be irritated by many things, such as turning on the TV, changing the lights, talking, children laughing and being petted.
When they become violently angry, they often try to break windows, tear apart furniture that gets in their way, and violently attack small children. At this time, the main thing is not to scare them away.
It is also important to understand that Tasmanian devils are nocturnal animals. They love to wander around the house late at night and make their beautiful (but loud) repeated squeals. They also love to copulate, confusing anything with their potential partner. “Anything” could be: clothes from a laundry basket, a coffee table, even human leg. At this time, they tend to squeal wildly and bite.
To conclude, Tasmanian devils are not very good pets to keep. They are very energetic, fierce and capable of attacking you and other animals.
About the attacks of the Tasmanian devil on people
There are very few reports of attacks by Tasmanian devils on people; as a rule, people escaped with cuts and wounds on their arms (fed by hand) and legs. But there is definitely not a single report of a Tasmanian devil killing a person. Most often, tourists who suffer from these animals are those who have never seen such marvelous, voracious animals roaring like pigs.
Newly released Tasmanian devils on Mariah Island have caused serious harm to visitors by preying on birds and harassing people, the operator of a ferry at a popular tourist destination has said.
John Cole-Cook is afraid to take his child with him because he fears for him. Some of the Tasmanian devils have grown as large as Australian Cattle Dogs (Blue Heelers) and have become especially brazen towards people. Some of them have already bitten tourists.
28 Tasmanian devils were released on Mariah Island, which is home to a world heritage site listed in 2012 by Darlington Probation Station. This was done as part of a plan to create a healthy population to protect them from the Tasmanian demon facial tumor, which is decimating animals in Tasmania.
This initial population has now grown to almost 100 individuals and Cole-Cook wants them fenced for reasons public safety. Cole-Cook said that previously on the Cape, geese calmly laid eggs and nursed chickens, the same applies to other birds.
But now the island's once prolific bird population is dwindling due to the Tasmanian devil's more brazen interactions with humans.
"After all, they can do serious harm small child" Cole-Cook said. “Already, several tourists who have been hand-fed by Tasmanian devils have been bitten, and they have also been found in tents and on beds in campgrounds.”
“These devils are big, almost like blue heelers.” Cole-Cook said 16 Tasmanian devils that bit tourists on Mariah were deported back to Tasmania last week.
But the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and environment(DPIPWE), said the Tasmanian devils were sent back to support other protected groups and not because of "bad behaviour".
"Some of the older released animals were familiar and comfortable around people, but only one animal was removed from the island due to contact with people," he said.
“This animal doesn’t bite anyone, but holds its ground when cornered.” Cole-Cook advised tourists not to hand-feed Tasmanian devils, but he said many ignored the advice.
He said the Tasmanian devil relocation program had merit but it now needed to be rethought.
"It's time to confine them to some part of the island," he said.
DPIPWE said Mariah Island was chosen specifically because it was home to other introduced species such as the chicken goose.
“This is being done to ensure population sustainability to maximize genetic diversity and minimize their impact on other native species in the National Park.”