Tasmanian Devil l Extremely Aggressive

Tasmanian Devil, Tasmanian Devil, Sarcophilus harrisii — Source: https://bit.ly/2MuP8dh Photographer: Mathias Appel

Tasmanian Devil Facts

Most notably, the Tasmanian Devil long ago became a symbol of aggressiveness and savage behavior. While fact often becomes mistaken for fiction, in its case this symbolism is indeed based in fact. That’s because it does tend to have an extremely aggressive nature.
Furthermore, the impressive creature also represents a most unusual type of animal. That holds true because the remarkably animal classifies as a carnivorous marsupial mammal. Further, the animal also presently ranks as the largest such species still in existence.
Sadly, however, the Tasmanian Devil may not hold that particular distinction for long. It once appeared numerous throughout a comparatively wide range of habitation. However, the creature now exists almost exclusively in only one isolated location in the world.
Further, its population numbers dwindled dramatically during the 19th and early 20th centuries. But, the unique mammal finally became a protected species in 1941. Consequently, the population of the species slowly began to recover, at least for a period of time.
But, beginning in 1996, a new, and serious threat emerged. At that time, a bizarre disease began to ravage the population. Causing severe facial tumors, it eventually prevents feeding, and leads to starvation. Due to the consequences, the IUCN now lists it as Endangered.

Tree Kangaroo, Dendrolagus ursinus — Bandicoot

Tasmanian Devil Physical Description

Firstly, although the Amazing Tasmanian Devil ranks as the largest animal of its kind, its nevertheless remains relatively small. The magnificent animal does, however, display a moderate degree of sexual dimorphism. In its case, the males attain a slightly larger size than the females.

This holds true due to the fact that males typically develop a head-and-body length of about 25.7 in (65.2 cm). Furthermore, the tail of the creature usually averages a length of roughly 10.2 in (25.8 cm). In addition, in terms of weight, the males of the species generally average about 18 lb (8.16 kg).

Yet the females of the species, on the other hand, usually only reach about 22 in (57 cm) in head-and-body length. Further, the same females also develop a tail averaging 9.6 in (24.4 cm) in length. But, in terms of weight, these same females only typically reach a weight of about 13.2 lb (6 kg).

Additionally, in both genders, the front legs usually grow somewhat longer than the rear legs. This gives the Tasmanian Devil quite a distinctive gait. In addition, the fur usually presents mainly black. But, uneven white spots or splotches also sometimes appear on the rump and chest of the mammal.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Dasyuromorphia
Family: Dasyuridae
Genus: Sarcophilus
Species: S. harrisii

Tasmanian Devil Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

First of all, as the name implies, the remarkable Tasmanian Devil remains indigenous to the island of Tasmania. Though once present on the mainland of Australia, this now serves as home to all but a handful of individuals in the wild. The only others exist on a tiny island joined to it at high tide.

In addition, within that tragically limited range, however, the mammal proves itself to be highly adaptable. As a result, it presently inhabits every type of habitat present on the island. This often even includes the outlying portions of urban areas. This, however, often proves to be to its detriment.

This carnivore also evolved as both nocturnal and crepuscular in nature. Additionally, the prey of the Tasmanian Devil sometimes includes animal as large as small kangaroos. But, it most commonly prefers to hunt smaller prey. Further, being opportunistic, it actually eats carrion more than it hunts.

Finally, its reputation for aggressive behavior remains quite well deserved. That holds true due to the fact that, mainly living a solitary life, except for mating, males often fight savagely during encounters. Finally, even its mating habits have been referred to as extremely vigorous in nature.