Tasmanian Devils - Diet
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Picture source:
Science-N-More
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Tasmanian devils are mainly predators and scavengers and can feed on whatever is available. They have been described as the "vacuum cleaners" of the forest because they eat dead animals. Their powerful jaws and teeth enable them to eat the prey completely, with bones, fur and all. Their jaws are nine times as strong as a dog's jaw. Small mammals and birds are the main food for Tasmanian devils, either as prey or carrion. Insects, reptiles, amphibians and eggs are eaten occasionally. If food is scarce, Tasmanian devils can eat carcasses of large animals and cattle and even seaweed. Occasionally Tasmanian devils catch fish and crabs.
Tasmanian Devils - Taxonomy
Class: Mammalia
Order: Dasyuromorphia
Family: Dasyuridae
Genius: Sarcophilus
Species: Sarcophilus laniarus (or Sarcophilus harrisii)
Tasmanian Devils - Status
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Picture source:
Getty Images © 1999-2003
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Some time ago, Tasmanian devils were thought to be in danger of extinction because settlers killed these animals for raiding the livestock. The forest habitat of these animals is being destroyed. In recent years, the population of Tasmanian devils increased due to large amounts of carrion created as a result of trapping industry and farming. Today they are abundant in Tasmania. Threats come from domestic dogs, road kill, and diseases. The adults often attack young Tasmanian devils and, thus, the mortality rate among the young is very high.
Tasmanian Devils - Conservation Links
Australasian Regional Association of Zoological Parks and Aquaria - Fact sheet about the Tasmanian devil and its comparison with other animals.
Australian Conservation Foundation - A government program on protecting rain forests and local animals.
Gardening. Predators - Tasmanian Devils as pests.
Marsupial Society. Tasmanian Devil Facts - A very detailed description of this animal, its distribution, habits and status.
National Geographic Profiles - Photos and quick facts about this animal and its status.
One World Wild Life - The project on saving these animals in Tasmania.
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Picture source:
davidireland.com © 1983-2003
David Ireland
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Parks and Wildlife of Tasmania - General information about habitat, diet, behavior and status of Tasmanian devils. Listen to the voice and see a movie about Tasmanian devils.
San Diego Zoo. Tasmanian Devil - A very informative site offering natural history, habits, description, taxonomy, status and importance for humans. Contains many photos.
Southern Exposure - Basic facts about the Tasmanian devil and its status in the wild.
Tasmanian Conservation Trust - Learn about the diseases affecting Tasmanian devils in the wild.
Wildlife. Tasmanian Devil - General characteristics of the species and its conservational status.
Tasmanian Devils - Related Links
Australian Explorer - Photos and descriptions of various animals living in Australia, Tasmania and surrounding islands.
Fauna of Tasmania - A guide for travelers with advice where to see the animals and what expect from them.
Fauna of Tasmania - Guide to the Australian state of Tasmania and description of animals found there.
Hiking in Tasmania - A guide for tourists offering useful advice concerning local wild animals: what we should expect and what we should not do.
Land of the Devil - Common misconceptions about Tasmanian devils and a survey of their habits.
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Picture source:
www.gilgamesh.hemscott.net
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Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary - Learn basic facts about Tasmanian devils.
Tasmania and Australia - Welcome to Talune Wildlife Park in southern Tasmania and see many Tasmanian devils.
Tasmanian Adventures - Short description and photos of various animals living in Tasmania and useful advice for travelers.
Tasmanian Guide - Learn about Tasmania, its sightseeing and fauna.
The Australian Rare Fauna Research Association - Offers basic facts on various Australian animals.
