Tasmanian Devil

The Tasmanian devil is a carnivorous marsupial of the family Dasyuridae. Until recently, it was only found on the island state of Tasmania, but it has been reintroduced to New South Wales in mainland Australia, with a small breeding population. Habitat: Tasmanian devils are found throughout Tasmania. Found in all habitats on the island, including the outskirts of urban areas, they particularly like dry sclerophyll forests and coastal woodlands. Tasmanian devils are strictly carnivorous, surviving on small prey such as frogs, birds, fish, and insects. They prefer scavanging to hunting and frequently feast communally on carrion. They are at their most rowdy when jockeying for position on a large carcass. The devil became extinct on the mainland some 3,000 years ago – before European settlement, due to being hunted by the Dingo. It is now only found in Tasmania. With no dingoes found in Tasmania, the Tasmanian devil is now the island state's top predator.

Conservation status: Endangered (Population decreasing)

Scientific name: Sarcophilus harrisii

Length: 2.1 ft. (Male, Head and body), 1.9 ft. (Female, Head and body)

Gestation period: 21 days (Female)

Mass: 18 lbs (Male, Adult), 13 lbs (Female, Adult)

Speed: 8.1 mph (Maximum, Running)

Family: Dasyuridae