Tasmanian devils are unique and misunderstood marsupials found exclusively on the island state of Tasmania, off the coast of Australia. Known for their robust build and dark fur, they hold a distinctive place in the natural world. Their appearance, coupled with their powerful vocalizations, has contributed to their intriguing reputation. Understanding their true behaviors offers a deeper appreciation for this remarkable animal.
Dispelling the Spinning Myth
Contrary to popular belief, Tasmanian devils do not spin like a tornado. This widespread misconception primarily originates from the animated “Tasmanian Devil” cartoon character, a popular fictional portrayal. The cartoon’s depiction of a whirlwind-like creature bears no resemblance to the animal’s actual behavior. Real Tasmanian devils do not exhibit spinning or rapid rotation as a means of movement or aggression.
The animated character’s actions are a product of creative license, not biological reality. This distinction between the animated caricature and the living animal is important for understanding the species accurately.
Understanding Real Tasmanian Devil Behaviors
Tasmanian devils are primarily nocturnal, emerging from their dens at dusk to forage for food. They typically rest during daylight hours, finding shelter in hollow logs, caves, burrows, or dense vegetation. While generally solitary, these marsupials often congregate around large carcasses, which can lead to intense interactions.
Their vocalizations are a defining characteristic, contributing to their “devilish” name from early European settlers who heard their unsettling sounds in the wilderness. They produce a wide array of noises, including growls, screeches, snarls, grunts, and even sneezes. These sounds serve various purposes, such as asserting dominance, warning off competitors, and communicating during social encounters.
When devils gather to feed on carrion, the noise level escalates significantly, marked by aggressive vocalizations and physical displays. While these interactions can appear ferocious, they are often ritualistic, involving open-mouthed gapes and tail raises, which can be bluffs to establish a pecking order without serious injury. Despite their aggressive reputation during feeding, Tasmanian devils are generally timid and prefer to retreat from confrontation with humans.
Tasmanian devils are expert scavengers, playing an important role in their ecosystem by consuming almost an entire carcass, including bones, fur, and organs. Their exceptionally powerful jaws, which can open up to 75-80 degrees, support this ability. They possess the strongest bite force relative to body mass of any living mammal, capable of crushing bone.
They are opportunistic feeders, with carrion forming a significant part of their diet, but they also hunt small live prey like birds, snakes, and insects. When a large food source is available, a devil can consume up to 40 percent of its body weight in one session. This “gorge feeding” adaptation allows them to maximize intake when food is plentiful, as subsequent meals may be uncertain.
While not strictly territorial, females may defend their dens, especially when raising young. They possess a keen sense of smell, sight, and hearing, used to locate food and navigate their environment. They can travel up to 16 kilometers (10 miles) in a single night while searching for food across their home range.