Tasmanian Devil
Sarcophilus harrisii
Meet the Tasmanian Devil
Habitat & Range
Tasmanian devils are found naturally in Tasmania and can live in a wide variety of habitats. These include coastal heath, open woodland, dry and mixed eucalypt forest and agricultural landscapes.
Suitable den sites and reliable food sources are important. Devils may shelter in hollow logs, caves, dense vegetation, old wombat burrows and other protected spaces during the day.
What's on the Menu?
Tasmanian devils are carnivorous scavengers and hunters. Carrion forms an important part of their diet, but they can also consume mammals, birds, reptiles and other available animal foods.
Their ability to consume almost every part of a carcass, including skin, fur and bone, means devils play an important role in Tasmania's ecosystem by helping clean up carrion.
Amazing Adaptations
A broad skull, strong jaw muscles and powerful teeth allow Tasmanian devils to process extremely tough food and bone. Their excellent sense of smell helps them locate food across the landscape.
Long whiskers also provide important sensory information, particularly when moving and feeding around other devils in low-light conditions.
Did You Know?
Despite their fearsome reputation, Tasmanian devils are generally solitary animals. The famous screeches, growls and open-mouth displays heard around a carcass are an important form of communication.
Behaviour
Tasmanian devils are primarily active from dusk through the night. Although they usually live and travel alone, several devils may gather when a large food source is available.
Their vocalisations and body language help establish spacing and communicate with other devils during these social feeding situations.
Conservation Status & Threats
The Tasmanian devil is listed as Endangered. One of the most significant threats facing the species is Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD), a rare transmissible cancer that has caused major declines in wild devil populations.
Devils can also be affected by road mortality, habitat pressures and other human-related threats.
Conservation at Trowunna
Tasmanian devil conservation has been at the heart of Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary for decades.
Through conservation breeding, research collaboration, education and participation in broader species conservation programs, Trowunna works to help safeguard the future of Tasmania's largest surviving carnivorous marsupial.
Our devils also play an important role as ambassadors, helping thousands of visitors each year understand the species, the threats it faces and why protecting Tasmania's wildlife matters.
How You Can Help
- Slow down when driving in Tasmania, particularly between dusk and dawn.
- Never feed wild Tasmanian devils.
- Keep dogs controlled around native wildlife.
- Report injured wildlife to an appropriate wildlife rescue organisation.
- Support conservation programs protecting Tasmania's native species and habitats.
Wildlife Welfare Comes First
Please do not feed, touch or place fingers through enclosure barriers. Allow resting animals plenty of space and always follow instructions from Trowunna's wildlife keepers.