It is no coincidence that the marsupial animal, known for its bloodthirstiness, was nicknamed the devil. The first acquaintance of the English colonialists with the Tasmanian inhabitant was extremely unpleasant - the nightly screams, terrifying, aggression of insatiable creatures formed the basis of legends about the mystical power of the predator.
Tasmanian devil- a mysterious inhabitant of the Australian state, the study of which continues to this day.
Description and features
A predatory mammal the size of a small dog, 26-30 cm. The body of the animal is 50-80 cm long, weighing 12-15 kg. The physique is strong. Males are larger in size than females. The front legs have five toes, four of which are located straight, and the fifth is located to the side to better grasp and hold food.
The hind legs are shorter than the front legs and the first toe is missing. With sharp claws, the animal easily tears fabrics and skins.
The external fullness and asymmetry of the paws do not correlate with the dexterity and agility of the predator. The tail is short. By its condition one can judge the well-being of the animal. Fat reserves are stored in the tail in case of hungry times. If it is thick and covered with thick fur, it means the predator is well-fed and in good health. A thin tail with sparse hair, almost naked, is a sign of illness or starvation of the animal. The bursa of female specimens looks like a curved fold of skin.
The head is of considerable size in relation to the body. The strongest jaws of all marsupial mammals are adapted to easily break bones. With one bite, the beast is capable of crushing the victim's spine. Ears are small Pink colour.
Long whiskers and a keen sense of smell make it possible to determine the location of the victim 1 km away. Acute vision even at night makes it possible to detect the slightest movement, but it is difficult for animals to distinguish between stationary objects.
The animal's short fur is black, with elongated white spots located on the chest and rump. Sometimes you can see semilunar stains and small peas on the sides. By appearance Tasmanian devil - animal, looks like a small bear. But they only look cute when they are resting. Behind active life, terrifying the Australian inhabitants, it was not by chance that the animal was called the devil.
For a long time, the residents of Tasmania could not determine the nature of the sounds emanating from ferocious predators. Wheezing, turning into coughing, and a menacing growl were attributed to otherworldly forces. An encounter with an extremely aggressive animal, emitting terrible screams, determined my attitude towards it.
Massive persecution of predators with poisons and traps began, which almost led to their destruction. The meat of marsupials turned out to be edible, similar to veal, which accelerated the elimination of the pest. By the 40s of the last century, the animal was practically destroyed. After the measures taken, the meager population was restored, although the number is still subject to strong fluctuations.
Another threat to devils came from a dangerous disease that claimed more than half of the population by the beginning of the 21st century. The animals are susceptible to epidemics of infectious cancer, which causes the animal's face to swell.
Devils die prematurely from hunger. The causes and methods of combating the disease are not yet known. For now, animals can be saved by relocation and isolation. In Tasmania, scientists are working on the problem of saving the population in specialized research centers.
Kinds
The Tasmanian (Tasmanian) devil is officially recognized as the largest carnivorous marsupial on Earth. First scientific description was compiled at the beginning of the 19th century. In 1841, the animal received its modern name and ended up in international classification as the only representative of the family of Australian marsupial predators.
Scientists have proven the significant similarity of the Tasmanian devil to quolls, or marsupial martens. A distant connection can be traced with an extinct relative - the thylacine, or marsupial wolf. In its genus Sarcophilus, the Tasmanian devil is the only species.
Lifestyle and habitat
Once upon a time, the predator inhabited the territory of Australia unhindered. Gradually, the range decreased due to the spread of dingoes hunting the Tasmanian devil. Europeans first saw the predator in Tasmania, the Australian state of the same name.
Until now, the marsupial is found only in these places. Local residents fought mercilessly against the destroyer of chicken coops until the destruction of marsupials was officially banned.
Tasmanian devil lives among sheep pastures, in savannas, in national parks. Predators avoid desert places and built-up areas. The animal's activity manifests itself at dusk and at night; during the daytime, the animal rests in dense thickets, inhabited burrows, and rocky crevices. The predator can be found on a fine day basking on the lawn in the sun.
The Tasmanian devil is capable of swimming across a river 50 m wide, but does so only when necessary. Young predators climb trees, but this becomes physically difficult for older individuals. This factor becomes vitally important as a means of survival when ferocious relatives persecute the young. Devils do not form groups; they live alone, but they do not lose connections with related individuals; they cut up large prey together.
Each animal lives in a conditional territorial area, although it does not mark it. Neighbors' properties often overlap. Animal dens are located among dense vegetation, thorny grasses, and rocky caves. To increase safety, the animals live in 2-4 shelters, which are constantly used and given to new generations of devils.
The marsupial devil is characterized by amazing cleanliness. He licks himself thoroughly until the smell disappears completely, which prevents hunting, and even washes himself. With its paws folded like a ladle, it scoops up water and washes its face and breast. Tasmanian devil, caught during a water procedure, on photo seems like a touching animal.
In a calm state, the predator is slow, but when in danger it is agile, unusually mobile, and accelerates in running up to 13 km/h, but only over short distances. Anxiety awakens the Tasmanian animal, like skunks, to emit an unpleasant odor.
An aggressive animal has few natural enemies. The danger comes from birds of prey, marsupial martens, foxes and, of course, humans. The animal does not attack people without reason, but provocative actions can cause retaliatory aggression. Despite its ferocity, the animal can be tamed, turning from a savage into a pet.
Nutrition
Tasmanian devils are considered omnivores, unusually voracious. The daily amount of food is approximately 15% of the animal's weight, but a starved animal can consume up to 40%. Meals are short; even large amounts of food are consumed by marsupials in no more than half an hour. The cry of the Tasmanian devil is an indispensable attribute of cutting prey.
The diet is based on small mammals, birds, insects, and reptiles. Along the coasts of reservoirs, predators catch frogs, rats, pick up crayfish, and fish washed up on the shallows. The Tasmanian devil is content with any kind of carrion. He will not waste his energy hunting small animals.
A developed sense of smell helps in searching for dead sheep, cows, wild rabbits, and kangaroo rats. Favorite food: wallabies and wombats. Decomposed carrion, rotten meat with worms do not bother carnivorous eaters. In addition to animal food, animals do not disdain to eat plant tubers, roots, juicy fruits.
Predators select the prey of marsupial martens and pick up the remains of the feast of other mammals. In the territorial ecosystem, voracious scavengers play a positive role - they reduce the risk of the spread of infection.
The victims of devils are sometimes animals that are many times larger than predators in size - sick sheep, kangaroos. Remarkable energy allows you to cope with a large but weakened enemy.
The promiscuity of marsupial devils in consuming prey is noteworthy. They swallow everything, including fragments of harness, foil, and plastic tags. Towels, pieces of shoes, jeans, plastic, ears of corn, and collars were found in the animal's excrement.
Creepy scenes of eating prey are accompanied by manifestations of aggression and wild cries of animals. Scientists have recorded 20 different sounds made when devils communicate. Fierce growling and hierarchical showdowns accompany the devil's meals. The feast of predators can be heard several kilometers away.
During periods of drought, bad weather, and hunger, animals are helped out by reserves of fat in the tail, which accumulate during the abundant feeding of voracious predators. The ability of young animals to climb rocks and trees and destroy bird nests helps them survive. Strong individuals hunt their weak relatives during periods of famine.
Reproduction and lifespan
The mating season for devils begins in April. The rivalry of males and the guarding of females after mating are accompanied by shrill screams, bloody fights, and duels. Established couples, even during a short union, are aggressive. Marsupials are not characterized by monogamous relationships. The female Tasmanian devil drives away the male 3 days after approaching. Gestation lasts 21 days.
20-30 pups are born. A Tasmanian devil cub weighs 20-29 g. From a large brood, only four devils survive, according to the number of nipples in the mother’s pouch. The female eats the weaker individuals.
The viability of born females is higher than that of males. At 3 months, babies' eyes open and their naked bodies are covered with dark fur. The young make their first forays out of their mother's pouch to explore the world. Maternal feeding lasts for another couple of months. By December, the offspring become completely independent.
The two-year-old young are ready to breed. The life of marsupial devils lasts 7-8 years, so all maturation processes take place quite quickly. In Australia, the unusual animal is classified as a symbolic animal, the images of which are reflected on coins, emblems, and coats of arms. Despite the manifestations of a real little devil, the animal occupies a worthy place in the ecosystem of the mainland.
The Tasmanian devil is a marsupial animal; in some sources the name “marsupial devil” is even found. This mammal got its name for the ominous screams it makes at night.
The rather ferocious character of the animal, its mouth with large, sharp teeth, its love for meat, only cemented the unflattering name. Tasmanian devil, by the way, is related to the marsupial wolf, which has long been extinct.
In fact, the appearance of this animal is not at all repulsive, but, on the contrary, quite cute, reminiscent of either a dog or a small one. Body size depends on diet, age and habitat; most often, this animal is 50-80 cm, but larger individuals are also found. Females are smaller than males, and males reach a weight of up to 12 kg.
The Tasmanian devil can bite through the spine of its victim with one bite
The animal has strong bones, a large head with small ears, the body is covered with short black hair with a white spot on the chest. The devil's tail is especially interesting. This is a kind of warehouse for fat deposits. If the animal is full, then its tail is short and thick, but when the devil is hungry, its tail becomes thin.
If we consider Pictures with image Tasmanian devil, then you get the feeling of a cute, nice animal that is pleasant to cuddle and scratch behind the ear.
However, do not forget that this cutie is capable of cutting through the skull or spine of its victim with one bite. The devil's bite force is considered to be the highest among mammals. Tasmanian devil– marsupial animal, therefore, in front of the females there is a special fold of skin, which turns into a pouch for the young.
For its interesting and peculiar sounds, the animal was called the devil.
From the name it is already clear that the animal is common on the island of Tasmania. Previously, this marsupial could be found in, but, as biologists believe, dogs completely exterminated the devil.
Man also played an important role - he killed this animal for the destroyed chicken coops. The Tasmanian devil's numbers declined until a hunting ban was introduced.
Character and lifestyle
The devil is not a big fan of company. He prefers to lead a solitary lifestyle. During the day, this animal hides in bushes, in empty holes, or simply buries itself in the foliage. The devil is a great master of hiding.
It is impossible to notice it during the day, but capturing a Tasmanian devil on video is a huge success. And only with the onset of darkness does he begin to stay awake. Every night this animal walks around its territory to find something to eat for dinner.
For each such “owner” of the territory there is a fairly decent area - from 8 to 20 km. It happens that the paths of different “owners” intersect, then you have to defend your territory, and the devil has something to do with it.
True, if a large prey comes across, and one animal cannot handle it, its brothers may join in. But such joint meals are so noisy and scandalous that screams of Tasmanian devils can be heard even several kilometers away.
The devil generally uses sounds very widely in his everyday life. He may growl, bark and even cough. And his wild, piercing screams not only forced the first Europeans to give the animal something resounding to them, but also led to the fact that about the Tasmanian devil They told terrible stories.
Listen to the cry of the Tasmanian devil
This beast has a rather angry character. The devil is quite aggressive with his relatives and with other representatives of the fauna. When meeting rivals, the animal opens its mouth wide, showing serious teeth.
But this is not a way of intimidation; this gesture shows the devil’s uncertainty. Another sign of uncertainty and anxiety is the strong unpleasant odor that devils emit in the same way as.
However, due to his unkind nature, the devil has very few enemies. They were hunted by dingo dogs, but the devils chose places where the dogs were uncomfortable. Young marsupial devils can still become prey for large birds, but adult individuals are no longer able to do so. But the enemy of the devils was an ordinary fox, which was brought to Tasmania illegally.
Interestingly, adult devils are not very dexterous and agile, but rather clumsy. However, this does not prevent them from reaching speeds of up to 13 km/h in critical situations. But young individuals are much more mobile. They can even climb trees with ease. This animal is known to swim wonderfully.
Tasmanian devil nutrition
Very often the Tasmanian devil can be seen near livestock pastures. This can be explained simply - herds of animals leave behind fallen, weakened, wounded animals, which go to feed the devil.
If such an animal cannot be found, the animal feeds on small mammals, birds, reptiles, insects and even plant roots. The devil has to eat a lot, because his diet is 15% of his own weight per day.
Therefore, its main diet is carrion. The devil has a very well developed sense of smell, and he easily finds the remains of all kinds of animals. After dinner this animal has nothing left - meat, skin, and bones are eaten. He doesn’t disdain “savoury” meat; he’s even more attracted to it. Needless to say, what a natural orderly this animal is!
Reproduction and lifespan
The devil’s aggressiveness does not subside during the mating season. In March and early April, pairs are created in order to conceive offspring, however, no moments of courtship are observed in these animals.
Even during mating moments they are aggressive and pugnacious. And after mating has occurred, the female drives the male away in anger in order to spend the 21st day of pregnancy alone.
Nature itself controls the number of devils. The mother has only 4 nipples, and about 30 cubs are born. They are all small and helpless, their weight does not even reach a gram. Those that manage to cling to the nipples survive and remain in the pouch, while the rest die, being eaten by the mother herself.
After 3 months, the babies become covered with fur, and by the end of the 3rd month their eyes open. Of course, compared to kittens or rabbits, this is too long, but devil babies do not need to “grow up”; they emerge from their mother’s pouch only by the 4th month of life, when their weight is about 200 grams. True, the mother continues to feed them until 5-6 months.
Pictured are baby Tasmanian devils
Only in the second year of life, towards the end, do devils become fully grown and can reproduce. In the wild, Tasmanian devils do not live longer than 8 years. It is known that these animals are very popular, both in Australia and abroad.
Despite their grumpy disposition, they are quite tamed, and many keep them as pets. You can find many on the Internet photo of Tasmanian devil in a home environment.
The Tasmanian devil runs and swims well
The unusual nature of this animal is so fascinating that there are many who want to buy Tasmanian devil. However, exporting these animals is strictly prohibited.
It is a very rare zoo that can boast such a valuable specimen. And is it worth depriving this grumpy, restless, angry, and yet wonderful inhabitant of nature of freedom and his usual habitat?
The Tasmanian devil got its name because it is believed to be very aggressive. In addition, it makes a characteristic frightening sound. In fact, it is quite shy, feeds mainly on carrion and rarely hunts live prey. Previously, even before the dingo dog spread to Australia, the animal we are considering lived on the mainland. Today, the Tasmanian devil is an animal that lives only in Tasmania, where it has no natural enemies, but is still an endangered species. The animal hunts at night and spends its days in the thickets. Lives on trees in hard leaves, also appears on rocky areas. Sleeps in different places: from a hollow in a tree to a cave in the rock.
The Tasmanian devil is an aggressive marsupial
Most of us associate this animal primarily with a cartoon character. In fact, this animal is as uncontrollable as its fairy-tale counterpart. But the facts suggest that even one individual can kill up to 60 poultry in just one night.
Tasmanian devils are unique animals. They are small marsupials with rat-like features, sharp teeth and thick black or brown fur. The animal is short, but do not be deceived: this creature is very fighting and is quite frightening.
Description of the Tasmanian devil
The real Tasmanian devil, in fact, is completely different from the famous cartoon character. It is not the same size and does not create a storm close to the surrounding area like a swirling tornado. The Tasmanian devil ranges from 51 to 79 centimeters in length and weighs only 4 to 12 kg. These animals exhibit sexual dimorphism: males are larger than females. Their life expectancy is on average 6 years.
It is the largest carnivorous marsupial currently in existence. The animal's body is strong, strong and disproportionate: a large head, the tail is almost half the length of the animal's body. This is where most of the fat accumulates, which is why healthy individuals have very thick and long tails. The animal has five toes on its front paws: four simple and one directed to the side. This feature gives them the ability to hold food in their paws. The hind limbs have four toes with very long and sharp claws.
The animal - the Tasmanian devil - has very strong jaws, reminiscent in its structure of the jaws of a hyena. They have prominent canines, four pairs of upper incisors and three lower ones. The beast can open its jaw to a width of 80 degrees, this allows it to generate a very large bite force. Thanks to this, he is able to bite through a whole carcass and thick bones.
Habitat
The Tasmanian devil lives in Australia, which covers an area of about 35,042 square miles (90,758 square kilometers). Although these animals can live anywhere on the island, they prefer coastal scrub and dense, dry forests. Often drivers can meet them on the roads where devils feed on carrion. Because of this, they often die under the wheels of cars. Very common in Tasmania road signs, warning drivers about the possibility of the Tasmanian devil. But no matter what area of the island these animals inhabit, they sleep under stones or in caves, hollows or holes.
Habits
The animal and the cartoon character of the same name have one thing in common: a bad temperament. When the devil feels threatened, he goes into a rage, in which he growls violently, lunges, and bares his teeth. It also emits otherworldly, eerie screams that can seem very frightening. The last feature can be explained by the fact that the Tasmanian devil is a solitary animal.
This unusual animal is nocturnal: it sleeps during the day and is awake at night. This feature may be explained by their desire to avoid predators that are dangerous to them - eagles and people. At night when hunting, it can cover a distance of more than 15 km thanks to its long hind limbs. The Tasmanian devil also has long whiskers, allowing it to navigate the terrain well and search for prey, especially at night.
The habit of hunting at night is explained by their ability to see everything in black and white. Therefore, they react well to movement, but have problems with clearly seeing stationary objects. Their most developed sense is hearing. They also have a well-developed sense of smell - they can smell odors at a distance of more than 1 km.
Young devils can climb well and anchor themselves in trees, but with age this ability is lost. Most likely, this is the result of adaptation to conditions environment Tasmanian devils, whose lifestyle is also marked by cases of cannibalism. Adults, during times of severe hunger, can eat young ones, which, in turn, defend themselves by climbing trees.
Nutritional Features
As already mentioned, Tasmanian devils are carnivorous animals. Most of the time they eat birds, snakes, fish and insects. Sometimes even a small kangaroo can become their victim. Often, instead of hunting live animals, they feast on dead carcasses, called carrion. Sometimes several animals can gather near one carcass, and then fights between them are inevitable. While eating, they absorb everything without loss: they eat bones, wool, internal organs and the muscles of their prey.
The Tasmanian devil's favorite food, due to its high fat content, is the wombat. But the animal may well feast on any other mammals, fruits, frogs, tadpoles and reptiles. Their diet depends primarily on the availability of dinner. At the same time, they have a very good appetite: per day they can take food equal to half their weight.
Reproduction and offspring
Tasmanian devils usually mate once a year, in March. Females choose their partners very carefully, and the latter can start real fights for her attention. The female has a gestation period of about three weeks and babies are born in April. The litter can be up to 50 cubs. Young devils are pink and hairless, the size of a grain of rice, and weigh approximately 24 grams.
Reproduction of Tasmanian devils is closely related to strong competition. At birth, the young are in their mother's pouch, where they compete for one of her four teats. Only these four will have a chance to survive; others die due to malnutrition. The cubs remain in the mother's pouch for four months. Once they come out, the mother carries them on her back. After eight or nine months, the cubs are fully grown. Tasmanian devils live from five to eight years.
Conservation status
According to the Red List of Threatened Species, the Tasmanian devil is endangered, its numbers are declining every year. In 2007, the IUCN estimated that the distribution of the Tasmanian devil is declining. At that time, about 25,000 adults were counted.
The animal's population has declined by at least 60% since 2001 due to a cancer called facial tumor disease (DFTD). DFTD causes swelling on the surface of the animal's face, making it difficult for it to feed normally. Ultimately the animal dies of starvation. This infection, because of which the species was on the verge of extinction. Today, the Devil Conservation Program is a movement created at the initiative of Australia and the Tasmanian government to save animals from a terrible disease.
Classical zoological science identifies in its taxonomy up to 5,500 modern species mammals. All of them differ markedly from each other in size, areola, structure and external features. One of the most specific animals of this class was a warlike predator, which received the name Tasmanian devil.
It is the only representative of its genus, but scientists have noted its significant similarity to quolls and, most distantly, to the extinct marsupial thylacine.
Description and appearance
The animal Tasmanian devil is a predatory animal marsupial mammal. This is the only representative of its kind. Scientists have been able to establish a family connection with the marsupial wolf, but it is rather weakly expressed.
The Tasmanian marsupial devil is a medium-sized predator, approximately the size of an average dog, that is, 12-15 kilograms. The height at the withers is 24-26 centimeters, less often 30. Outwardly, one might think that this is a clumsy animal due to its asymmetrical paws and rather plump physique. However, it is a very dexterous and successful predator. This is facilitated by very strong jaws, powerful claws, and his keen vision and hearing.
This is interesting! The tail deserves special attention - an important sign of the health of the animal. If it is covered with thick fur and is very thick, then the Tasmanian marsupial devil is well fed and absolutely healthy. Moreover, the animal uses it as a fat store for difficult times.
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 in which it bared its teeth, attacked, and let out a chilling, guttural roar.
This amazingly vicious mammal has coarse brown or black fur, and its stocky build reminds us of a growing bear cub. Most of them have white stripe or a 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 excellent sense of smell, long whiskers and eyesight 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 can be seen in the wild 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 to eradicate Tasmanian devils (farmers mistakenly believed they were killing livestock, although they have been known to kill poultry) were very successful. In 1941, the Australian government classified the Tasmanian devil as a protected species, and today its numbers are constantly growing.
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: an endangered species
Tasmanian devils became protected in 1941, but their population has declined by 60 percent in the past decade. 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.
Nutritional Features
As already mentioned, Tasmanian devils are carnivorous animals. Most of the time they eat birds, snakes, fish and insects. Sometimes even a small kangaroo can become their victim. Often, instead of hunting live animals, they feast on dead carcasses, called carrion. Sometimes several animals can gather near one carcass, and then fights between them are inevitable. While eating, they consume everything without wasting: they eat bones, fur, internal organs and muscles of their prey. The Tasmanian devil's favorite food, due to its high fat content, is the wombat.
But the animal may well feast on any other mammals, fruits, frogs, tadpoles and reptiles. Their diet depends primarily on the availability of dinner. At the same time, they have a very good appetite: per day they can take food equal to half their weight.
Reproduction
The female, who has reached the age of two, goes out in search of a male. Even when mating marsupial devils are very aggressive, because they are used to living alone and do not tolerate being in a group of their own kind. After three days During their time together, the female drives away the male and this brings her great pleasure.
Pregnancy for a female marsupial devil lasts only three weeks. The offspring appear somewhere in late April or early May, since the mating period begins at the end of March or early April. The female gives birth to twenty cubs, which weigh no more than twenty-nine grams. But only four survive. The babies that do not survive are eaten by the female.
Tasmanian devils are born very small, but already at three months their eyes open and hair appears on their body, and at that time they weigh approximately two hundred grams. After a month, they can get out of the female’s pouch and explore the world on their own, but they feed on milk for the next two months.
The lifespan of a marsupial devil is no more than eight years.
Natural enemies of the Tasmanian devil
Due to their aggressive nature and nocturnal lifestyle, adult marsupial devils have few natural enemies. Previously, they were hunted by the marsupial wolf (thylacine) and dingo. Young animals are attacked by birds of prey and tiger marsupials. New enemy and food competitor of the Tasmanian devil - common fox, which was introduced to Tasmania at the beginning of the 21st century.
The Tasmanian devil caused trouble to European settlers, ravaged chicken coops, ate animals that fell into traps, and attacked lambs and sheep. For these reasons, the animal was actively exterminated. Edible meat, which tastes like veal, was also in demand. By the mid-20th century, the species was on the verge of extinction, and hunting was banned, but the population was restored. Now it is stable, although subject to seasonal fluctuations.
Touching on 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 color, 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.”
You can now find this devil only on the island of Tasmania, in the central, northern and western parts islands. 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 liked by the local residents themselves.
As a result of the extermination that began, marsupial devils were forced to settle in the undeveloped forest and mountainous areas of 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 allocated for sheep pastures (closer to places of food), as well as in national parks 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. Currently, the Tasmanian devil is 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 of which die before reaching the pouch. 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. Sexual maturity in females occurs in the second year of life.
Female with cubs 
These animals are nocturnal, and during the daytime they most often take refuge in rock crevices, in empty holes, or in bushes and make a nest of 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 large prey is eaten. 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.
