Once inhabiting nearly the whole of mainland Australia, the Tasmanian
Devils are now found only in Tasmania - the island state of Australia.
Tasmanian Devils are marsupials and nocturnal animals, which prefer to
live alone rather in groups. The habitat of these nocturnal animals
includes forests, countryside and shrubs swamps of towns. The deafening
growl and screech that Tasmanian Devils make while having a communal
feeding of carcasses has earned them the name ‘Devils.’
Tasmanian Devils have a body covered with black fur along with white
markings on the chest, rump and shoulder and at times on tail. The looks
of the devils are similar to that of baby bears, and their tracks are in
a diamond pattern. Tasmanian Devils can reach a top speed of 13
kilometers per hour. While the average males are around 2.5 feet in
height, the females are around 2 feet, both the gender weigh around 12
to 18 pounds. The sense of hearing and sense of smell of the devils are
very good, with a very sharp vision.
Though they are carnivorous in their dietary habits, Tasmanian Devils
are not good hunters. They mostly feed on dead animals, an eating habit
which is common among the hyenas as well. From amphibians, to reptiles,
birds, small mammals, kangaroos, wallabies, insects and possums these
devils eat anything and everything. Tasmanian Devils are known as
‘mini-vacuum cleaners’ since they eat everything of their preys’ dead
bodies including bones, fur, skin and skull. The devils are known to be
noisy eaters while eating in groups.
Tasmanian Devils begin to breed in their second year, when the female
devils become sexually mature. The mating time of the devils is in
March. The new devils are born in April, though 20 young devils are born
only 4 manage to live. By the end of the 40 weeks, the young ones become
independent. Tasmanian Devils have a life span of 7 to 8 years.
Tasmanian Devils was made into a famous cartoon character Taz by the
Warner Bros in 50s. This popular cartoon character has featured in a
number of animated movies, commercials and television series.
