Tasmanian Devil

:For the cartoon character, see Tasmanian Devil (cartoon).

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The Tasmanian Devil (Sarcophilus laniarius), also referred to simply as 'the devil', is a carnivorous marsupial now found only in the Australian island state of Tasmania. The size of a small dog, but stocky and muscular, the Tasmanian Devil is the largest carnivorous marsupial in the world. It is characterised by its black fur, offensive odour when stressed, extremely loud and disturbing screech, and viciousness when feeding. It is known to both hunt prey and scavenge carrion and although it is usually solitary, it sometimes eats with other devils.

Related Topics:
Carnivorous - Marsupial - Australian - Tasmania - Dog - Odour - Carrion

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The Tasmanian Devil became extinct on the Australian mainland about 400 years before European settlement in 1788. Seen as a threat to livestock in Tasmania, devils were hunted until 1941, when they were officially protected. Since the late 1990s devil facial tumour disease has reduced the devil population significantly and now threatens the survival of the species, which may soon be listed as endangered. Programs are currently being undertaken by the Tasmanian government to reduce the impact of the disease.

Related Topics:
Extinct - European settlement - 1788 - Livestock - 1941 - 1990s - Devil facial tumour disease - Endangered

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