What kind of animal is the Tasmanian devil? We will explain their characteristics, sounds, lifespan, ecology, and habitat. It is said to be the world’s largest marsupial carnivore, and is said to have been given the name “devil” by European settlers who feared it because its growling sound sounded like a devil’s roar. .
What is a Tasmanian devil? About basic status
The Tasmanian devil is a marsupial classified in the Mammalia class, Dyscoidea order, Dyscoidea family, and Tasmanian genus. It is said to grow to 50-60 cm in length and weigh 10-12 kg. Its scientific name is Sarcophilus harrisii. It is said that the name “devil” was given to it by European settlers who were afraid of its growling sound, which sounded like the roar of a devil. It has a scary image because it is black from head to tail. It has been introduced to zoos in various parts of Japan.
| Japanese（和名） | タスマニアデビル |
| English（英名） | Tasmanian Devils |
| scientific name(学名) | Sarcophilus harrisii |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、 Dasyuromorphia、Dasyurinae、Sarcophilus 哺乳綱、フクロネコ形目、フクロネコ科、タスマニアデビル属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | ENDANGERED |
| Length（体長） | 50-60 cm |
| Weight（体重） | 10-12kg |
About classification
The genus name Sarcophilus comes from the Greek sarx, which means “meat,” and philus, which means “to love.” In an 1807 paper, it was classified as a member of the opossum genus and named Didelphis ursina. In 1987, he changed the species to Sarcophilus laniarius.
About the habitat of the Tasmanian devil
Tasmanian devils were once found throughout Australia, but can now only be found in Tasmania. Nowhere outside Tasmania.
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
The Tasmanian devil has two sharp fangs in its mouth that grow throughout its life. Its jaw bones are powerful and it is the largest living carnivorous marsupial, with its head covered in black (or blackish brown) hair. It has sharp claws on its limbs, which it uses to dig holes. When young, it is light and agile, and can climb shrubs. It has a very distinctive cry, and is said to be a very scary animal. It captures its prey while moving around. It also eats the carrion of large animals. It is nocturnal, and its voice is very loud and devilish.
What is your personality like?
Tasmanian devils have a rough temper even among wild animals, and individuals fight with each other over food. Fighting and some injuries are common in Tasmanian devils, so they are not suitable as pets. Their cry is very distinctive and can be threatening.
What is the ecology of the Tasmanian devil?
The Tasmanian devil is a carnivore, eating creatures up to the size of a small kangaroo. Breeding begins in March, when females accumulate fat around their necks and begin building nests. Males fight over females. The gestation period is about 3 weeks, and 20-40 babies can be born at a time, but there are only 4 nipples in the pouch, so only a few survive. The lifespan is about 5 years.
What is the natural enemy of the Tasmanian devil?
The Tasmanian devil’s natural enemy is the dingo.
Is the Tasmanian devil an endangered species?
Tasmanian devils are an endangered species. Due to the effects of their natural enemies, dingoes, Tasmanian devils became extinct on the Australian mainland 400 years ago. Even in Tasmania, most of their habitat is now farmland and pastureland, and they are in danger of extinction. Their population has declined by 60% in the past 10 years, due to the following reasons: According to domestic information, there are efforts to protect the wild, and the Australian government has started a program. They are more aggressive than other wombats.
Attacking livestock
They usually attack livestock, so they have been exterminated and their population has decreased. They are also listed on the Red List. There are organizations that cooperate with conservation efforts. Research is also led by the government. They often appear at events such as zoos, so it’s a good idea to visit them.
get hit by a car
The most common occurrence is being run over by a car. Tasmanian devils are frequently seen sitting on roads, and there have been many incidents where passing cars run over them without noticing. Especially at night, their black fur is a problem and they often go unnoticed.
Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD)
Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD) is a contagious disease that only affects Tasmanian devils. It has a huge impact on your health, and if you get infected, you are 100% sure to die. The situation is quite severe as Tasmanian devils are infected by biting each other’s faces when competing for food, as they are sure to die.
Can Tasmanian devils be kept in captivity?
Tasmanian devils are designated as an endangered species. Therefore, it is difficult to keep them as pets. Furthermore, they have a ferocious personality, so ordinary people will not be able to handle them. Although they are called endangered, they are one of the strongest mammals in the wild, and adult individuals often attack with their teeth, making them good news. It is recommended to see the exhibits at zoos with a guide. You can see detailed photos and videos of their appearance on the Internet.
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