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Tasmanian Devil
From CopperWiki
The Tasmanian Devil is the largest of the living marsupial carnivores (and Australia's only specialised mammalian scavenger.) It resembles a robustly-built, small dog with powerful jaws and a set of large, strong teeth. It has a broad head, thick tails and its coarse, black fur often has irregular-shaped white blazes across the chest, shoulders and rump.
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[edit] Why should I be aware of this?
- Once abundant throughout Australia Tasmanian devils are now threatened and indigenous only to the island state of Tasmania. Biologists speculate that their extinction on the mainland is attributable to the introduction of Asian dogs, or dingoes.
- A major decline in population occured because of Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) - a fatal condition in Tasmanian devils, characterised by cancers around the mouth and head. This made it difficult for them to eat and the animals eventually died of starvation.
[edit] All about Tasmanian Devil
Early European settlers gave the name The Tasmanian devil (as they were haunted at night by the sound of its spine-chilling screeches and demonic growls. But in reality, the Tasmanian devil is a shy, wary creature.
[edit] Largest carnivorous marsupial
The Tasmanian devil is the world's largest carnivorous marsupial, reaching 30 inches (76 centimeters) in length and weighing up to 26 pounds (12 kilograms.)Its oversize head houses sharp teeth and strong, muscular jaws that can deliver, pound for pound, one of the most powerful bites of any mammal.
Tasmanian devils eat all kinds of meat, including those of insects, birds and beached fish. But they are especially fond of small mammals, such as possums, wallabies and wombats. They can also rapidly locate dead animals in the bush and eat almost every part of the carcass, including the hide and the skull with their massive jaw muscles and strong teeth.
[edit] Short mating season
Most devils mate during a short but intense season in March, however breeding can continue until July. Births occur three weeks later.
Though not dangerous to humans, they attempt to defend themselves if attacked. Despite their spectacular and aggressive outbursts, Tasmanian devils are actually timid animals with a preference for avoiding fights.
[edit] CopperBytes
- When confronted, a Tasmanian devil will often yawn at its tormentor as if pretending to be unbothered by the threat. [1]
- Very few wild devils live longer than 5 years. In captivity, they may live a few more years. [2]
- They are a little scared of artificial lights at first, but eventually realise that the light is not going to harm them.
- They seem to have an excellent sense of smell, although it is probably not as good as a scent hound.
- Their shriek is basically bluff to try and intimidate other animals so that there is no fight
- Tasmanian devils are not dangerous. They do not attack people although they will defend themselves if attacked.
[edit] 90 degrees
Efforts in the late 1800s to eradicate Tasmanian devils, which farmers erroneously believed were killing livestock (although they were known to take poultry), were nearly successful. In 1941, the government made devils a protected species, and their numbers have grown steadily since. [1]
