Animal Profiles
Mammals

Tasmanian Devil

Sarcophilus harrisii

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

The Tasmanian devil is a stocky carnivorous marsupial associated with Tasmania. It is an effective scavenger, using strong jaws to process animal remains.

Sarcophilus harrisii (tasmanian devil)

JJ Harrison ( https://www.jjharrison.com.au/ ) · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Tasmanian devils use woodland, heath and other landscapes in Tasmania. Logs, caves and burrows offer daytime shelters. This account does not map mainland reintroduction sites.
Habitat
Temperate forest, Grassland
Diet
Carnivore
Food
Carrion supplies much of the diet, with small prey and insects also eaten.

Classification

Common name
Tasmanian Devil
Browse group
Mammals
Scientific name or taxon
Sarcophilus harrisii
Taxon rank
species
Order
Dasyuromorphia
Family
Dasyuridae
Genus
Sarcophilus
Source classification
Mammalia

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • It is a marsupial.
  • Strong teeth can process bone.
  • It gives loud calls around shared food.

Habitat and range

Tasmanian devils use woodland, heath and other landscapes in Tasmania. Logs, caves and burrows offer daytime shelters. This account does not map mainland reintroduction sites.

Appearance and adaptations

Dark fur often bears pale markings on the chest or body. A broad head and powerful jaw muscles support its feeding habits.

Diet and behaviour

Carrion supplies much of the diet, with small prey and insects also eaten. Usually active at night, it searches for food and may gather with others at carcasses. Growls and other calls accompany competition over a meal.

Sources

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