A Tasmanian Devil: a brief encounter in the wild with this iconic Australian marsupial. Night had fallen across the Central Plateau, Tasmania when I spotted some movement to my right close to some rocks. A Tasmanian Devil! It spent a short time searching around for food and ate something small before heading back into the rocky area and the darkness. A fleeting visit but what a treat! I had been hoping to see a Tasmanian Devil but had low expectations of doing so. Filming was a challenge given the very poor light and the distance but definitely worth taking the shot!
The Tasmanian Devil is a carnivorous marsupial native to Tasmania, Australia. Recognised for its stocky build, powerful jaws, and distinctive black fur, this nocturnal creature is the largest carnivorous marsupial. Tasmanian Devils are known for their loud and haunting vocalisations, which can be heard during their nighttime activities. They have a voracious appetite and scavenge carrion, often consuming entire carcasses, including skin and bones. Although they scavenge more than they hunt prey, they do take a wide range of prey including Wombats and wallabies. Their very strong bite, the strongest of any carnivorous mammal relative to body size, helps int his regard. Despite their name, fierce appearance and reputation, these animals are generally shy and prefer to avoid confrontations.
Recently, the Tasmanian Devil has faced significant threats, leading to its decline in the wild. A contagious cancer known as Devil Facial Tumor Disease has decimated populations since its discovery in the late 1990s.
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Key words: Australia, Australian, Tasmania, Tasmanian, CentralPlateau, wildlife, nature, animals, safari, devil, marsupial, carnivore, carnivorous