The Tasmanian devil, recognized as the world’s largest living carnivorous marsupial, carries a reputation for ferocity and toughness. This perception often raises questions about its own survival and vulnerabilities in the wild. Despite its formidable nature, a range of predators and environmental dangers challenge its existence.
Natural Predators in the Wild
Historically, the Tasmanian devil’s primary predator was the thylacine, or Tasmanian tiger. Since the thylacine’s extinction in 1936, the landscape of predation has shifted, leaving adult devils with few natural enemies. However, younger, smaller devils, known as imps or joeys, are considerably more vulnerable.
Large birds of prey, particularly the Wedge-tailed eagle, are known to hunt young devils. These eagles target imps that might be active during daylight hours. On the ground, large native quolls can also prey on juvenile devils if they are separated from their mother. Large owls also pose a risk to small imps during the night.
A Devil-Eat-Devil World
One of the most significant threats to a Tasmanian devil is another Tasmanian devil. Cannibalism is a notable cause of mortality, particularly for young devils that have recently weaned and are learning to survive independently. This behavior is not driven by malice but by competition and opportunity in a harsh environment where resources can be scarce.
Adult devils will kill and consume smaller, unrelated young they encounter. These fatal encounters often occur during disputes over carcasses, as devils congregate to feed and jockey for position. An adult devil’s powerful jaws, capable of crushing bone, make it a formidable foe for a smaller, less experienced animal.
Modern Dangers from Humans and Newcomers
Beyond their natural predators, Tasmanian devils face lethal threats that have emerged from human activity and introduced species. Collisions with vehicles are a major contributor to devil mortality. Devils are frequently drawn to roadsides to scavenge on other road-killed animals, making them highly susceptible to being struck by cars themselves.
The introduction of non-native species to Tasmania has also created new challenges. Feral cats and red foxes compete with devils for food resources and have been known to prey on young joeys. Domestic dogs can also pose a threat to devils, particularly in areas where human settlement borders their natural habitat.
The Invisible Threat to the Species
The single greatest danger to the Tasmanian devil population today is not a traditional predator but a contagious disease. Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) is a transmissible cancer that has devastated wild populations. It functions as an invisible killer, spreading rapidly through the population and causing a catastrophic decline in their numbers.
The disease is transmitted when devils bite each other, a common behavior during mating and feeding disputes. Once an individual is infected, large tumors form around its face and neck, which eventually grow so large that they prevent the animal from being able to eat. Starvation is the cause of death, typically occurring within six months of the first symptoms appearing. This disease has become the primary driver of their endangered status.