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Nature

Tasmanian Devil Animal

What is tasmanian devil animal?

· James MacDonald

Key facts

Scientific name Sarcophilus harrisii[1]
Type Mammal; marsupial[1]
Diet Carnivore[1]
Range Tasmania[1]
Weight Up to 12 kg (26 pounds)[2]
Length 50 to 80 cm (20 to 31 inches)[2]

The Tasmanian devil is a carnivorous marsupial native to Tasmania and the largest surviving carnivorous marsupial. It is a mammal with a diet of carrion and prey, weighing up to 12 kg and measuring 50 to 80 cm in length.

Context

The Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) is a carnivorous marsupial that lives only in Tasmania, where it is the largest surviving carnivorous marsupial [1]. It is a stocky mammal with a diet that includes carrion and small prey, and it is mainly a scavenger, though it can hunt [3]. The species is nocturnal, active mostly at night [4]. Tasmanian devils are listed as endangered, based on assessments from 2008/2009 [3]. They face threats from disease and other predators in their habitat [1].

Documented claims

  • The Tasmanian devil is the largest surviving carnivorous marsupial. [1]
  • Tasmania is the only place where Tasmanian devils are found in the wild. [1]
  • Tasmanian devils are mainly scavengers, feeding on carcasses, but can also be predators. [3]
  • Tasmanian devils are listed as endangered, with assessments from 2008/2009. [3]
  • Tasmanian devils are nocturnal. [4]

Questions and answers

Are Tasmanian devils aggressive to humans?

The sources do not specify aggression toward humans, but they are carnivorous marsupials that can be predators [3].

Why is the Tasmanian devil called a devil?

The sources do not explain the name's origin, but the animal is known for its fierce screeches and aggressive feeding behavior [1].

Is the Tasmanian devil considered a dog or cat?

The Tasmanian devil is neither a dog nor a cat; it is a marsupial mammal, specifically a carnivorous marsupial [1].

What's the closest animal to a Tasmanian devil?

The sources do not name a closest relative, but as a marsupial, it is related to other Australian marsupials like quolls [1].

Sources

  1. Tasmanian devil | Habitat, Population, Size, & Facts — britannica.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. Tasmanian Devil — kids.nationalgeographic.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. Tasmanian Devil — australian.museum (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  4. Tasmanian Devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) Fact Sheet: Summary — ielc.libguides.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Nature