Tasmanian Devil and WildlifeThe Tasmanian Devil and other Tasmanian wildlife is unique when compared to Australian wildlife in general. This is because some of the animals found in Tasmania are not found in the rest of Australia. Due to Tasmania's geographical isolation different species have been protected from predators that were introduced to the mainland over the centuries. One of the island's most famous animals is the Tasmanian devil. Other well known Australian marsupials that call Tasmania home include; the wombat, the possum, the kangaroo and the bandicoot.
Tasmanian DevilThe Tasmanian devil is the most famous animal native to the island. It was popularised by the cartoon character "Taz". The real devil is very different however and doesn't spin around in a tornado!The devil is only about the size of a small dog, but it has a ferocious nature and amazingly strong jaw strength that make it a formidibly intimidating piece of australian wildlife. Devils are nocturnal and are the world's largest surviving carnivourous marsupial. They weigh approximately 12kg as adults, with males being larger than the females. The devil is a scavenger and will feed on whatever meat is available, usually eating carrion that is already dead. They have enormous jaw strength and will eat everything: bone, fur and all.
Tasmanian Tiger (Thylacine)The Tasmanian Tiger is extinct... (although there have been numerous sightings of this near mythical creature in Tasmania in recent years!) The last known Tasmanian Tiger died in captivity in 1936. It was called a Tasmanian Tiger because of the distinctive striping across its back, but its actual scientific name was the Thylacine.It's extinction came about secondary to persecution by farmers, government-funded bounty hunters and, in the final years, collectors for overseas museums.
WombatWombats are not unique to Tasmania and are found in other parts of the australian wildlife. However Tasmania has provided a good habitat for wombats to flourish. The wombat is an Australian marsupial that is a herbivore. It is a short-legged, muscular animal that is very timid and digs extensive burrow systems to take refuge in. It is a nocturnal animal that feeds on grasses, herbs, roots and bark.The wombat has sandy coloured fur and is approximately 1 metre in length when fully grown. They weigh between 20 to 35kg as adults. Wombats have very slow metabolisms, taking around 14 days to completely digest food, this enables them to survive in semi-arid conditions remarkably well. They are slow placid creatures, but when threatened can reach speeds of up to 40 km/hr. They also have a very tough posterior made of cartilage that can protect them in their burrows.
KangarooThe kangaroo is a marsupial that is found in most parts of Australia including Tasmania. Kangaroos are herbivores predominantly eating a wide variety of grasses.There are a number of different species of kangaroos, ranging in size and colour. The Red Kangaroo is the largest kangaroo of Australia living in the arid and semi-arid parts of central Australia. The Eastern and Western Grey Kangaroo is smaller but more common than its larger cousin. The Eastern Kangaroo is found in Tasmania. Kangaroos are the only large animal in the world to use hopping as a means of locomotion. In combination with its large, powerful tail a kangaroo can reach speeds of 70 km/h (44 mph). A kangaroo's average life expectancy is 4 to 6 years.
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