Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) are carnivorous marsupials found exclusively on the island of Tasmania. These animals, roughly the size of a small dog, are known for their stocky build, black fur, and powerful bite. Their distinctive vocalizations, often described as screeches and growls, led early European settlers to name them “devils.” As the largest surviving carnivorous marsupial, they play a specific role in Tasmania’s ecosystem.
What They Primarily Consume
Tasmanian devils are primarily scavengers, consuming carrion (the decaying flesh of dead animals). Their diet frequently includes carcasses of native animals like wallabies, possums, and wombats, often found as roadkill. In agricultural areas, they also scavenge on dead livestock such as sheep and cattle. While carrion forms the bulk of their diet, devils are opportunistic feeders. They will also hunt and consume smaller live prey, including insects, small birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
How They Obtain Food
Their keen senses help Tasmanian devils locate food, particularly their excellent sense of smell, which can detect carrion from up to 0.8 kilometers (half a mile) away. They also rely on acute hearing to find both dead animals and live prey, especially during nocturnal foraging. Once a food source is found, their powerful jaws and sharp teeth allow them to consume almost an entire carcass, including bones, fur, and organs. While typically solitary, multiple devils may gather at a large carcass, leading to noisy feeding frenzies.
Dietary Adaptations and Variations
The physical characteristics of Tasmanian devils are well-suited to their diet. Their large head and neck allow for an exceptionally strong bite force, among the strongest relative to body size of any living predatory land mammal. This strength enables them to crush bones and tear through tough hides.
Their diet can vary significantly based on food availability, age, and season. For instance, young devils may consume more insects and smaller arboreal animals, while adults might target larger prey items seasonally. Research indicates that individual devils can exhibit specific dietary preferences, rather than consuming just any available carrion, which is uncommon among scavengers.
Their Role as Scavengers
Tasmanian devils perform an ecological function as scavengers. By efficiently consuming carcasses, including bones and fur, they help prevent the accumulation of decaying animal remains. This reduces the risk of disease spread within wildlife and livestock populations. Their presence also influences the foraging behavior of other scavengers and predators, contributing to the overall health and balance of the Tasmanian environment.