Description
The Tasmanian Devil is the largest of the living marsupial carnivores being the size of a small,  robustly built dog.  Males average 9kg while females are slightly smaller averaging 7 kg.

They are usually black all over with white markings on the chest (sometimes on the rump). The body is short and the head large with rather short powerful jaws.   

Distribution
The Tasmanian Devil was once widespread over mainland Australia but is now restricted to and is abundant in Tasmania.  It probably became extinct on the mainland due to increasing aridity and the spread of the Dingo. Although occurring in all major habitat types in Tasmania, it is most abundant in sclerophyll forest and coastal woodland, especially where it is interspersed with open grassland.

Diet
A wide variety of food is eaten including insects, beached fish and birds, but small mammals are the principal food.

They are efficient scavengers and strong jaw muscles and teeth enable them to consume every part of a carcass - including hide and skulls.  Individuals can eat 40% of their bodyweight in one night.  They usually forage alone but several individuals may feed simultaneously on a large carcass

It is unlikely that these animals are able to kill larger animals.  Their reputation as a sheep killer is based on sightings of them feeding on carcasses of sheep that have died from other causes.

Breeding
Breeding is highly synchronised. Mating occurs in March and births occur in April. Up to four young are carried in the shallow backward opening pouch until August when the fully furred young are left in a den.  The young start to roam from the den in November and become independent in January when 40 weeks old.  Females begin breeding at two years of age and both sexes reach adult size by 2 - 3 years.  Males (but not females disperse from the natal area.  Longevity in the wild is about 6 years.

General Information
They have a loping gait and can cover eight kilometers in an evening.  They are not territorial and have a home range of 8-20 square kilometers that may overlap with another's territory. 

During communal feeding squabbling, champing of jaws, pushing chasing and close-range displays of teeth are common.  Seldom does this result in physical contact but when bites do occur they are usually substantial. Vocalisations range from snorts and soft barks to monotone growling that develop to loud screeches. Communication by scent and smell is also important.  They have been observed dragging the cloacal region on the ground (scent marking).

Conservation Status and Threats
Populations in Tasmania have fluctuated in recent times - being rare in the first decade of this century and again in the 1940's, possibly as a result of a distemper like disease that is also thought to have ravaged Quoll and Thylacine populations.  It is now abundant with highest populations in the north east of Tasmania..  Barring further epidemics, or establishment of wild dog populations its status appears to be secure.

Breaking news - August 2003 - A devastating disease is sweeping through Tasmania's devil population.
Like many infectious diseases it appears to be density-dependent. It kills nearly more than 90% of adults in high density areas and 40-50% in medium-low density areas. Thus, its overall impact is somewhat chequered across the landscape but certainly a majority of devils will be affected across the state.

More information and ways you may be able to assist can be found on the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Water & Environment Site.

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