Tasmanian Devils - Pictures

Thousands of exotic pictures, such as Tasmanian Devils; other pets and exotics for sale.

www.gotpetsonline.comAdvertise here

Tasmanian Devils - Breeding

Mating season for Tasmanian devils begins in March, during this time they don't eat. The young are born three weeks later, in April and May. Only four babies can be accommodated in the mother's pouch because it has only four teats, but sometimes up to 50 babies are born. The babies are about the size of a grain of rice at birth. They have to race a distance about 3 inches from the birth canal to the mother's pouch, which are rear facing. Only four of the strongest babies have a chance to survive and grow.

Each baby is firmly attached to a teat and is carried for about 15 weeks. Then the young can be left alone in a nest, while the mother forages, or they are carried on the mother's back, clinging with teeth and claws. The babies are weaned at 5-6 months of age and leave the mother. They are ready to mate at the end of their second year.

Tasmanian Devils - Importance for Humans

Farmers originally considered Tasmanian Devils as pests because they raid the poultry, but they are also appreciated for their great role in controlling the number of crop-eaters, such as mice and rats. They don't actually kill livestock and feed only on carrion and carcasses of domestic animals. A Tasmanian devil can be tamed if it is hand raised. Since 1941, Tasmanian devils live in sanctuaries and are protected by the government.

Mouse over the thumbnails to view image and photo credit
Pages: 1 2