Wildlife

Largest Carnivorous Marsupial
The Tasmanian devil, the world’s largest surviving carnivorous marsupial, cannot be mistaken for any other animal. Its spine-chilling screeches, dark colour and reputed bad temper led early European settlers to call it ‘The Devil’.

Jaws as strong as a shark
Although only the size of a small dog, it can look and sound incredibly fierce. Powerful teeth and jaws (nine times stronger than a dog’s and comparable to a shark or crocodile) enable it to completely devour its prey – bones, fur and all.

The devil is a scavenger and feeds on what is available, mostly carrion, although it will occasionally hunt young or wounded animals.

Devils are famous for their rowdy communal feeding at carcasses – the noise and displays are used to establish dominance. Found only in Tasmania, there are substantial populations of devils in some north, east and central districts.

For more information on the Tasmanian devil.

Read about Tasmania's devil experience.