Lifestyle
In choosing the landscape for living, the marsupial Tasmanian devil is not too picky. It is stopped only by areas that do not have forest cover and those that are already densely populated by people. The animal gives particular reference to the coastal savannah, as well as to the sclerophyll forests. The population reaches a large size and close to cattle pastures.
Animals are not tied to a specific territory. Each individual selects for itself the most convenient area up to 20 sq. Km, which is regularly checked for food. Unlike territorial predators, Tasmanian devils allow the intersection of sites located in the department of different individuals.
All representatives of this species prefer a solitary lifestyle. Forcing them to come together can only be the appearance of large prey. A joint meal will necessarily be accompanied by attempts to determine their supremacy and importance. The noise that animals make at such a dinner, locals sometimes hear for several kilometers.
The beast leads mainly to a nocturnal lifestyle, preferring to spend daytime in a safe shelter. For greater comfort, he can build nests from grass and leaves under the roots of trees or simply occupy other people's empty holes, fall asleep in a dense shrub and hide in the cracks between the stones. However, if the Tasmanian devil realizes that he is safe, then he allows himself to get out in the sun to soak in the warm rays.
In the spectrum of sounds made, the beast is not limited to sharp piercing screams at night, which became the reason for the acquisition of a not-too-affectionate name. The marsupial devil can growl quietly, which reminds many of a muffled cough. A monotonous growl can be used as an intimidating trick.
The habit of meeting a living creature immediately opening its mouth filled with powerful sharp teeth prompted people to write the predator into the category of particularly aggressive. Subsequent studies have not confirmed the hypothesis. Zoologists argue that such a reaction is caused by surprise and wariness, but not by an attempt to warn of an imminent attack. In support of their hypothesis, scientists referred to the fact that the devil released a foul-smelling substance at the time of anxiety. Skunks use a similar defense and threat mechanism. Recent studies have shown that even a wild-grown animal is capable of taming. Adults and young marsupials can turn into pets.
If necessary, a slow and rather clumsy animal can develop a galloping speed of up to 13 kilometers per hour. All marsupial devils are distinguished by the ability to swim well. Activity and mobility decreases with age. If it is not difficult for a young beast to cleverly climb a tree, then more experienced individuals prefer to limit themselves to climbing an inclined trunk.
The marsupial trait has practically no natural enemies. The main predator that reduced the population of devils (marsupial wolf tilacin) has long died out. In Tasmania, dingo dogs are not common. Among the predators that can enjoy the meat of the Tasmanian devil, there are tiger marsupial marten and large birds of prey. Young individuals usually become victims.
An unexpected discovery was a change in dietary preferences for an ordinary fox brought to the island in 2001. The guest illegally entering the territory of Tasmania began hunting for the marsupial predator and became its food competitor.
Breeding
Females who have already reached the age of two are looking for a male for mating. Permanent living alone makes the animal display aggression, if necessary, to tolerate the neighborhood of another individual. Mating does not prevent marsupial devils from showing their displeasure over the need to be in a team. Three days later, the female gives vent to aggression, and with obvious pleasure expels the male.
The duration of pregnancy is exactly 3 weeks. Considering that the mating period falls on March-April, the offspring is born in April-May. Each female brings about 20 cubs weighing no more than 29 grams. But only four of them have a chance to survive. Those that were able to first and stick firmly to the existing nipples. According to statistics, females are the most agile and strong in this competition. The remaining babies are eaten by the female.
Despite the very small size at birth (this indicator is typical for all marsupials), by 3 months old, little devils open their eyes, the body becomes covered with hair, and the weight approaches 200 grams. In a month they will be able to explore the world outside the bag, but lactation remains their main way of eating for another 2 months.
The Tasmanian devil has not accepted the long farewell of youth. Young animals are ready to leave mother completely and begin to equip their life on their own in December.
Tasmanian devils do not live long. Even experienced and cautious individuals have a life expectancy of no more than 8 years.