What is a Tasmanian devil?
The Tasmanian devil is the world's largest surviving carnivorous marsupial. About the size of a small dog, it lives only in the wild in Tasmania and is known for its loud screeches and powerful bite.
Devils have black fur, often with a white band across the chest, and weigh up to about 12 kilograms. Their large head and strong jaws give them one of the most powerful bites for their size of any mammal, allowing them to crush bones.
They are mostly scavengers, eating dead animals, though they also hunt small prey. When several devils feed on a carcass, they growl, screech and show their teeth, which led early settlers to name them devils.
Life and threats
Devils are nocturnal and spend the day in dens, hollow logs or burrows. Females give birth to many tiny young but can only raise up to four, as they have four teats in the pouch.
Devils disappeared from mainland Australia about 3,000 years ago, possibly because of dingoes and climate change. Since 1996, devil facial tumour disease has severely reduced their numbers.
Devils are listed as endangered, and an insurance population is kept in zoos and on Maria Island.
Did You Know?
When stressed, a Tasmanian devil's ears can turn red as blood flows to them.