Tasmanian devils are stocky with a brownish black pelage. They have a white throat patch, white spots on their sides and backside, and a pinkish snout. The head is massive with well developed jaw muscles. Molar teeth are heavy and adapted for their role in crushing bone and tearing through muscle and thick skin.

Mainly a scavenger with a very varied diet, they will eat almost anything they come across. Its powerful jaws allow it to consume its prey entirely - bones and fur. They can often be heard screaming and squabbling over carcasses.

Unfortunately the Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) has had a major impact on the species across the state and has seen a significant decline in numbers, Thanks to breeding programs and ongoing research numbers have started to improve.

Tasmanian devils are protected in Tasmania

At a glance

Habitat They are most numerous in coastal heath and rangeland areas where agricultural practices maintain a constant supply of carrion. They also occur in open, dry schlerophyll forest and mixed schlerophyll rainforest. Their dens typically are located in…
Size Males weight ranges from 5.5 to 12 kg and female weight from 4.1 to 8.1 kg and range in length from 50cm to 80cm
Origin Endemic
Distribution Endemic and widespread across Tasmania
Descriptions
Distribution
Endemic and widespread across Tasmania
Habitat
They are most numerous in coastal heath and rangeland areas where agricultural practices maintain a constant supply of carrion. They also occur in open, dry schlerophyll forest and mixed schlerophyll rainforest. Their dens typically are located in…
Size
Males weight ranges from 5.5 to 12 kg and female weight from 4.1 to 8.1 kg and range in length from 50cm to 80cm
Common Name Tasmanian Devil
Aliases No Known Aliases
Origin Endemic
Conservation Endangered
Tags
Share
Distribution and map

Distribution provided by The Atlas of Living Australia

Classification

Classification

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
SubphylumVertebrata
SuperclassGnathostomata
ClassMammalia
SubclassMarsupialia
OrderDasyuromorphia
SuperfamilyDasyuroidea
FamilyDasyuridae
SubfamilyDasyurinae
GenusSarcophilus
SpeciesSarcophilus harrisii
Synonyms

Synonyms

There are no known synonyms for this species
References and dates
Original No original text available
Bibliography View page references
Added Thu 23 Jul 2020 @ 00:00 AM
Updated Tue 16 Nov 2021 @ 23:00 PM
Surveys View Survey List
Share your ❤️  Buy me a ☕
Files
Type Details Version Size Added Updated Links
There are no downloads or Files for this species at the moment

Disclaimer: A lot of work goes into trying to identify and ensure accurate identifications are made, and that the listed Descriptions, Sizes, Habitats and Distribution information is as accurate and valid as possible. Unfortunately, information in this arena is ever changing and as such no guarantee can be offered that it is correct or currently valid — the information is provided as a guide, and it is always suggested that you do a little research to ensure you have the latest and most accurate information. View the references or bibliography. Feedback and comments on the information provided are always welcome.