Tasmanian Devil Trivia

Tasmanian devils are endemic to what continent?

Australia

Currently, Tasmanian devils are found only in Tasmania, although widespread fossil evidence suggests that they once occupied much of the Australian mainland.

Asia

Africa

North America

What is the Tasmanian devil’s diet?

Carnivorous

Tasmanian devils are carnivorous hunters and mainly scavenge for their food, but will feed on whatever is available, either as carrion or prey.

Herbivorous

Omnivorous

What is the greatest recent threat to Tasmanian devils?

Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD)

The greatest recent threat to Tasmanian devils across Tasmania is Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD). In September 2006, the Tasmanian devil disease was gazetted under the Animal Health Act as a List B notifiable disease.

Food Availability

Habitat Loss

Persecution

Where do Tasmanian devils nest?

Burrows

Tasmanian devil dens are typically located in hollow logs, caves, or burrows.

Caves

Tasmanian devil dens are typically located in hollow logs, caves, or burrows.

Hollow Logs

Tasmanian devil dens are typically located in hollow logs, caves, or burrows.

Trees

What features allow the Tasmanian devil to crush bones and tear through thick muscle and skin?

Heavy Molar Teeth

The head of the Tasmanian devil is massive and broad with well-developed jaw muscles. The Tasmanian devil’s big, strong molar teeth are heavy and adapted for their role in crushing bone and tearing through muscle and thick skin. Tasmanian devils are ferocious when attacked and because they are impressively armed with heavy jaw musculature and robust teeth, they are able to protect themselves against larger predators.

Well-Developed Jaw Muscles

The head of the Tasmanian devil is massive and broad with well-developed jaw muscles. The Tasmanian devil’s big, strong molar teeth are heavy and adapted for their role in crushing bone and tearing through muscle and thick skin. Tasmanian devils are ferocious when attacked and because they are impressively armed with heavy jaw musculature and robust teeth, they are able to protect themselves against larger predators.

Massive Head

The head of the Tasmanian devil is massive and broad with well-developed jaw muscles. The Tasmanian devil’s big, strong molar teeth are heavy and adapted for their role in crushing bone and tearing through muscle and thick skin. Tasmanian devils are ferocious when attacked and because they are impressively armed with heavy jaw musculature and robust teeth, they are able to protect themselves against larger predators.

Robust Jawline

The head of the Tasmanian devil is massive and broad with well-developed jaw muscles. The Tasmanian devil’s big, strong molar teeth are heavy and adapted for their role in crushing bone and tearing through muscle and thick skin. Tasmanian devils are ferocious when attacked and because they are impressively armed with heavy jaw musculature and robust teeth, they are able to protect themselves against larger predators.

The Tasmanian devil is what kind of animal?

Marsupial

After the thylacine (Thylacinus cynocephalus), the Tasmanian devil is the largest native, mammalian predator on Tasmania and the world’s largest surviving carnivorous marsupial.

Herpestid

Mustelid

Rodent

Tasmanian devils are territorial.

False

Although Tasmanian devils are not territorial, they stay within relatively small home ranges.

True

What feature led to the origin of the Tasmanian devil’s name?

Unearthly Screams

The Tasmanian devil got its name from early European settlers who upon hearing mysterious unearthly screams, coughs, and growls from the bush, decided to investigate further. Finding the dog-like animal with red ears, wide jaws and big, sharp teeth led them to call it “The Devil”.

Black & White Colors

Threatening Gape

Stocky, Robust Body

What is the average lifespan of a wild Tasmanian devil?

5 Years

Tasmanian devils most often live to a maximum of five-years-old in the wild, but they can live up to seven or eight years. Most young die immediately after dispersing out of their natal range as a result of food scarcity or competition.

1 Year

3 Years

10 Years

What is the population trend of the Tasmanian devil?

Decreasing

Populations in which DFTD has been observed for several years have declined by up to 80% (approximate, due to low sample size in recent years). There is no evidence to date of the decline in devils stopping or the prevalence of the disease decreasing, but monitoring teams continue to assess Tasmanian devil populations as DFTD spreads.

Increasing

Stable

Unknown

As in many dasyurids, Tasmanian devils store fat in their tails.

True

As in many dasyurids, Tasmanian devils store their fat in their tails.

False

Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD) is a transferrable cancer for Tasmanian devils, passed through contact.

True

Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD) is passed from Tasmanian devil to Tasmanian devil through physical contact, including biting associated with copulation and fighting. Because this transferrable cancer is passed through biting, it is mostly passed on during the breeding season.

False

Tasmanian devils are carnivorous scavengers and feed primarily on carrion.

True

Tasmanian devils are carnivorous hunters and mainly scavenge for their food, but will feed on whatever is available, either as carrion or prey. They take most of their large prey in the form of carrion.

False

Tasmanian devils can sport white markings on the throat, chest, sides, and rump.

True

Tasmanian devils have a white throat patch, white spots on their sides and backside, and a pinkish snout.

False

In diseased areas, nearly all sexually mature Tasmanian devils, older than two years of age, become infected and succumb to Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD).

True

In diseased areas, nearly all sexually mature Tasmanian devils, older than two years of age, become infected and succumb to the disease.

False

Tasmanian devils are considered a nuisance.

True

Today, the Tasmanian devil is a Tasmanian icon, but they are sometimes considered nuisance animals.

False

Tasmanian devils are common livestock predators, especially on animals such as sheep.

False

Tasmanian devils have been considered livestock predators, especially on animals such as sheep. Although this is unlikely, they have been known to kill poultry. In reality, these carnivorous marsupials take most of their large prey in the form of carrion.

True

Tasmanian devils take what animals as prey, in the form of carrion?

Rabbits

These carnivorous marsupials take most of their large prey, such as wombats, wallabies, sheep, and rabbits, in the form of carrion.

Wombats

These carnivorous marsupials take most of their large prey, such as wombats, wallabies, sheep, and rabbits, in the form of carrion.

Wallabies

These carnivorous marsupials take most of their large prey, such as wombats, wallabies, sheep, and rabbits, in the form of carrion.

Sheep

These carnivorous marsupials take most of their large prey, such as wombats, wallabies, sheep, and rabbits, in the form of carrion.

Male Tasmanian devils compete for access to breeding females and temporarily subdue females while mating.

True

Male Tasmanian devils compete for access to breeding females. During the breed season, a female will invite a male into her den to signal that she’s ready to mate. The male will drag the female into the den by the neck, but the female’s neck has thickened to protect her from the male’s vicious teeth. Once inside the den, the female will become completely submissive, appearing sedated and allowing the male to position her by the neck wherever he pleases.

False

Tasmanian devils produce a strong odor when under stress, but when calm and relaxed they are not smelly.

True

Tasmanian devils produce a strong odor when under stress, but when calm and relaxed they are not smelly.

False

The Tasmanian devil is the world’s largest carnivorous marsupial.

True

After the thylacine (Thylacinus cynocephalus), the Tasmanian devil is the largest native, mammalian predator on Tasmania and the world’s largest surviving carnivorous marsupial.

False

Tasmanian devils almost went extinct until they were protected by law in what year?

1941

For more than a century, Tasmanian devils were trapped and poisoned. They became very rare, seemingly headed for extinction, but the population gradually increased after they were protected by law in June 1941.

1841

1914

2014

What animals are natural predators for the Tasmanian devil?

Eagles

Small Tasmanian devils may fall prey to eagles (Accipitridae), owls (Strigiformes), and spotted tail quolls (Dasyurus maculatus).

Owls

Small Tasmanian devils may fall prey to eagles (Accipitridae), owls (Strigiformes), and spotted tail quolls (Dasyurus maculatus).

Quolls

Small Tasmanian devils may fall prey to eagles (Accipitridae), owls (Strigiformes), and spotted tail quolls (Dasyurus maculatus).

Possums

Tasmanian devils hate water.

False

Tasmanian devils are very good swimmers. They will often dabble in water with their front paws, somewhat in the manner of raccoons. Tasmanian devils will sometimes store food in water and can even take a breath and “duck dive”.

True

What does the Tasmanian devil’s famous threatening gape signify?

Fear

The famous gape or yawn of the Tasmanian devil that looks so threatening, can be misleading. This display is performed more from fear and uncertainty than from aggression.

Aggression

Breeding Display

Dominance

Tasmanian devils are the only animals that can be infected with Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD).

True

Of the known transmissible cancers, two are found in Tasmanian devils, three in five different species of bivalves, and one in dogs.

False

Tasmanian devils exhibit sexual dimorphism.

True, Males are Larger

Female Tasmanian devils are slightly smaller than males.

True, Females are Larger

False

What is the Tasmanian devil listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species?

Endangered

In late 2008, the Tasmanian devil was up-listed to ‘Endangered’ on the Red List of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) – widely considered the most authoritative system for classifying species in terms of their risk of extinction.

Vulnerable

Critically Endangered

Extinct in the Wild

Tasmanian devils are one of how many species that can contract a contagious cancer?

7

Currently, we know of transmissible cancers spreading through natural animal populations in seven species across vertebrate and invertebrate organisms and in both terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

2

14

21

Tasmanian devils are usually social.

False

Tasmanian devils are usually solitary.

True

With what do Tasmanian devils construct their nests?

Bark

Both males and female Tasmanian devils make simple nests of bark, grass, and leaves, which they inhabit throughout the day. Their dens are typically located in hollow logs, caves, or burrows.

Grass

Both males and female Tasmanian devils make simple nests of bark, grass, and leaves, which they inhabit throughout the day. Their dens are typically located in hollow logs, caves, or burrows.

Leaves

Both males and female Tasmanian devils make simple nests of bark, grass, and leaves, which they inhabit throughout the day.

Fur

The Tasmanian devil is an important apex predator in Tasmania.

True

Tasmanian devils are important top, apex predators in native, Tasmanian ecosystems. As scavengers, they are important in removing carcasses.

False

Many of the Tasmanian devil’s aggressive behaviors are bluff.

True

Many of the Tasmanian devil’s auditory and display behaviors are bluff and part of a ritual to minimize harmful fighting when feeding communally at a large carcass.

False

What endangers the Tasmanian devil?

Competition

Traditionally Tasmanian devil numbers were controlled by food availability, competition with other devils and quolls, loss of habitat, persecution and vehicular strike, but the greatest recent threat to devils across Tasmania is the Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD).

Habitat Loss

Traditionally Tasmanian devil numbers were controlled by food availability, competition with other devils and quolls, loss of habitat, persecution and vehicular strike, but the greatest recent threat to devils across Tasmania is the Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD).

Vehicular Strike

Traditionally Tasmanian devil numbers were controlled by food availability, competition with other devils and quolls, loss of habitat, persecution and vehicular strike, but the greatest recent threat to devils across Tasmania is the Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD).

Food Availability

Traditionally Tasmanian devil numbers were controlled by food availability, competition with other devils and quolls, loss of habitat, persecution and vehicular strike, but the greatest recent threat to devils across Tasmania is the Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD).

What distance does a Tasmanian devil travel, on average, in one night, in search of food?

3 km (1.9 m)

Tasmanian devils can roam considerable distances, up to 16 kilometers, along well-defined trails in search of food and average 3.2 kilometers, or 2 miles, traveled in a night in search of food.

1 km (0.6 m)

5 km (3.1 m)

10 km (6.2 m)

How much have Tasmanian devil populations declined due to Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD)?

80%

Populations in which DFTD has been observed for several years have declined by up to 80% (approximate, due to low sample size in recent years).

10%

30%

50%

Tasmanian devils have a slender, narrow build.

False

Tasmanian devils have a stocky, thick-set, squat build with a brownish, black pelage.

True

Fossil evidence suggests that Tasmanian devils once occupied much of the Australian mainland.

True

Currently, Tasmanian devils are found only in Tasmania, although widespread fossil evidence suggests that they once occupied much of the Australian mainland.

False

Tasmanian devils are protected in Tasmania.

True

Tasmanian devils are protected in Tasmania.

False

Like many other dasyurids, the Tasmanian devil’s marsupial pouch is open when breeding.

False

Unlike many other dasyurids, the Tasmanian devil’s marsupial pouch is completely closed when breeding.

True

How is Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD) spread amongst Tasmanian devils?

Biting

Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD) is passed from Tasmanian devil to Tasmanian devil through physical contact, including biting associated with copulation and fighting. Because this transferrable cancer is passed through biting, it is mostly passed on during the breeding season.

Copulation

Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD) is passed from Tasmanian devil to Tasmanian devil through physical contact, including biting associated with copulation and fighting. Because this transferrable cancer is passed through biting, it is mostly passed on during the breeding season.

Fighting

Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD) is passed from Tasmanian devil to Tasmanian devil through physical contact, including biting associated with copulation and fighting. Because this transferrable cancer is passed through biting, it is mostly passed on during the breeding season.

Birth

Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD) only affects the Tasmanian devil’s face.

False

The tumors are first noticed in and around the mouth as small lesions or lumps, then develop into large tumors around the face and neck and sometimes even in other parts of the body. Badly affected devils have many tumors throughout the body.

True

Female Tasmanian devils will mate with multiple males in order to improve their chances of producing healthy offspring.

True

Females will mate with multiple males in order to improve their chances of producing healthy offspring.

False

In what habitats do Tasmanian devils reside?

Caves

Despite the decline in numbers since the early 1990s, populations of Tasmanian devils remain widespread in Tasmania from the coast to the caves and mountains. They are most numerous in coastal heath, shrubland, grassland, and rangeland areas where agricultural practices maintain a constant supply of carrion. They also occur in open, dry schlerophyll forest and mixed schlerophyll-rainforest.

Forest

Despite the decline in numbers since the early 1990s, populations of Tasmanian devils remain widespread in Tasmania from the coast to the caves and mountains. They are most numerous in coastal heath, shrubland, grassland, and rangeland areas where agricultural practices maintain a constant supply of carrion. They also occur in open, dry schlerophyll forest and mixed schlerophyll-rainforest.

Grassland

Despite the decline in numbers since the early 1990s, populations of Tasmanian devils remain widespread in Tasmania from the coast to the caves and mountains. They are most numerous in coastal heath, shrubland, grassland, and rangeland areas where agricultural practices maintain a constant supply of carrion. They also occur in open, dry schlerophyll forest and mixed schlerophyll-rainforest.

Shrubland

Despite the decline in numbers since the early 1990s, populations of Tasmanian devils remain widespread in Tasmania from the coast to the caves and mountains. They are most numerous in coastal heath, shrubland, grassland, and rangeland areas where agricultural practices maintain a constant supply of carrion. They also occur in open, dry schlerophyll forest and mixed schlerophyll-rainforest.

What is the Tasmanian devil’s rhythm?

Nocturnal

Tasmanian devils are generally nocturnal, but they may be seen sunbathing during the day in quiet areas. They typically inhabit their dens and dense bushes throughout the day.

Diurnal

Cathemeral

Crepuscular

Tasmanian devils gallop with both hind feet together.

True

Tasmanian devils usually amble slowly with a characteristic gait but can gallop quickly with both hind feet together. They tend to forage with a slow, lumbering manner using their sense of smell to find food at night.

False

At what size are Tasmanian devils born?

Grain of Rice

Because Tasmanian devils are marsupials, their young are born as external embryos, just the size of a grain of rice, and must find their own way into the mother’s pouch.

Green Pea

Blueberry

Peach

How are Tasmanian devils important members of functioning ecosystems?

Clean Up Carcasses

The value of Tasmanian devils as important members of functioning ecosystems and as scavengers probably outweighs any negative effect of these animals on humans. Tasmanian devils maintain bush and farm hygiene by cleaning up carcasses. This can help reduce the risk of blowfly strike to sheep by removing food for maggots.

Maintain Bush & Farm Hygeine

The value of Tasmanian devils as important members of functioning ecosystems and as scavengers probably outweighs any negative effect of these animals on humans. Tasmanian devils maintain bush and farm hygiene by cleaning up carcasses. This can help reduce the risk of blowfly strike to sheep by removing food for maggots.

Reduce Risk of Blowfly Strike

The value of Tasmanian devils as important members of functioning ecosystems and as scavengers probably outweighs any negative effect of these animals on humans. Tasmanian devils maintain bush and farm hygiene by cleaning up carcasses. This can help reduce the risk of blowfly strike to sheep by removing food for maggots.

Remove Food for Maggots

The value of Tasmanian devils as important members of functioning ecosystems and as scavengers probably outweighs any negative effect of these animals on humans. Tasmanian devils maintain bush and farm hygiene by cleaning up carcasses. This can help reduce the risk of blowfly strike to sheep by removing food for maggots.

What mating system do Tasmanian devils generally partake?

Polygynandry

The mating system of the Tasmanian devil is polygynandrous. Male Tasmanian devils compete for access to breeding females while females mate with multiple males in order to improve their chances of producing healthy offspring.

Monogamy

Polygyny

Polyandry

Which of the Tasmanian devil’s senses are keen?

Smell

Tasmanian devils have keen senses of smell, sight, touch, and taste.

Sight

Tasmanian devils have keen senses of smell, sight, touch, and taste.

Touch

Tasmanian devils have keen senses of smell, sight, touch, and taste.

Taste

Tasmanian devils have keen senses of smell, sight, touch, and taste.

What factors determine the body size of the Tasmanian devil?

Age

The body size of the Tasmanian devil varies considerably with diet, habitat, and age.

Diet

The body size of the Tasmanian devil varies considerably with diet, habitat, and age.

Habitat

The body size of the Tasmanian devil varies considerably with diet, habitat, and age.

Birth Order

When was Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD) first recorded?

1996

In 1996, many populations of Tasmanian devils were first recorded to be devastated by a new, usually lethal, cancer-like disease called Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD) that was spreading rapidly throughout Tasmania.

1969

2006

2016

Thylacines have historically preyed on Tasmanian devils.

True

Adult Tasmanian devils have few natural predators, although Thylacines (Thylacinus cynocephalus) may have preyed on them occasionally

False

When do Tasmanian devils give birth?

Spring

Most Tasmanian devil young are born a month or two after mating, usually in April, after a gestation period of 21 days.

Summer

Fall

Winter

Tasmanian devils can follow a dominance hierarchy.

True

There seems to be a learned dominance hierarchy, at least in captive situations.

False

The Tasmanian devil is the largest, native mammalian predator on Tasmania.

True

After the thylacine (Thylacinus cynocephalus), the Tasmanian devil is the largest native, mammalian predator on Tasmania and the world’s largest surviving carnivorous marsupial.

False

Juvenile Tasmanian devils, as young as one year old, can be infected with Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD).

True

Juveniles as young as one year old can be infected.

False

Although a Tasmanian devil can give birth to 40 young, how many can survive because of the limited number of mammae in her pouch?

4

Although a Tasmanian devil can give birth to up to 40 young, only a maximum of four can survive per litter because of the limited number of mammae in her pouch. Each female Tasmanian devil has four teats inside her pouch, so only the first four young that firmly attach to one will survive while the rest will starve.

2

12

24

Tasmanian devils are endemic to Tasmania.

True

Currently, Tasmanian devils are found only in Tasmania, although widespread fossil evidence suggests that they once occupied much of the Australian mainland.

False

Tasmanian devils can climb trees.

True

Young Tasmanian devils are agile and can climb trees.

False

Tasmanian devils eat the fur and bones of their prey.

True

Tasmanian devils are efficient scavengers with powerful jaws and teeth they enable them to completely devour their prey, eating even bones and fur.

False

What is a young Tasmanian devil called?

Joey

A young Tasmanian devil is called a joey.

Cub

Kit

Kitten

Tasmanian devils are good swimmers, however if they have young in the pouch, they avoid swimming for more than short distances.

True

Tasmanian devils are very good swimmers, however if they have young in the pouch, they avoid swimming for more than very short distances.

False

Once infected with Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD), Tasmanian devils usually have how long to live?

Months

Once infected, devils usually die within a few months of the cancer becoming visible.

Days

Weeks

Years

In 1830, when a bounty scheme was introduced to remove Tasmanian devils, males were more valuable than females.

False

In 1830, the Van Diemen’s Land Company introduced a bounty scheme to remove Tasmanian devils, as well as thylacines (Thylacinus cynocephalus) and wild dogs, from their northwest properties. They offered 2/6 (25 cents) for male devils and 3/6 (35 cents) for females.

True

How long does a Tasmanian devil stay in its mother’s pouch?

3-4 Months

At around three-four months old, the young can open their eyes for the first time and emerge from the mother’s pouch.

1-2 Weeks

1-2 Months

6-8 Months

Tasmanian devils make what sounds?

Coughs

The Tasmanian devil makes a variety of fierce noises, from harsh coughs and snarls to high pitched screeches. They have an especially impressive and frightening screech. Tasmanian devils also vocalize with growls and vibratos when fighting and are regarded with awe because of the blood-curdling shrieks they use when a group is scavenging a carcass. A sharp sneeze is used as a challenge to other devils, and frequently comes before a fight.

Growls

The Tasmanian devil makes a variety of fierce noises, from harsh coughs and snarls to high pitched screeches. They have an especially impressive and frightening screech. Tasmanian devils also vocalize with growls and vibratos when fighting and are regarded with awe because of the blood-curdling shrieks they use when a group is scavenging a carcass. A sharp sneeze is used as a challenge to other devils, and frequently comes before a fight.

Screeches

The Tasmanian devil makes a variety of fierce noises, from harsh coughs and snarls to high pitched screeches. They have an especially impressive and frightening screech. Tasmanian devils also vocalize with growls and vibratos when fighting and are regarded with awe because of the blood-curdling shrieks they use when a group is scavenging a carcass. A sharp sneeze is used as a challenge to other devils, and frequently comes before a fight.

Snarls

The Tasmanian devil makes a variety of fierce noises, from harsh coughs and snarls to high pitched screeches. They have an especially impressive and frightening screech. Tasmanian devils also vocalize with growls and vibratos when fighting and are regarded with awe because of the blood-curdling shrieks they use when a group is scavenging a carcass. A sharp sneeze is used as a challenge to other devils, and frequently comes before a fight.

How many types of Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD) have been discovered?

2

There are two types of DFTD cancer, DFTD 1 and 2.

1

4

7

What factors led to the extinction of the Tasmanian devil on the Australian mainland?

Dingos

It is believed the devil became extinct on the mainland some 3,000 years ago, before European settlement. It has been suggested that their absence in many previously occupied areas can be explained by increasing aridity and competition with the introduced dingo. The dingo was prevented from entering Tasmania by the Bass Strait.

Increased Aridity

It is believed the devil became extinct on the mainland some 3,000 years ago, before European settlement. It has been suggested that their absence in many previously occupied areas can be explained by increasing aridity and competition with the introduced dingo. The dingo was prevented from entering Tasmania by the Bass Strait.

European Settlers

Habitat Loss

Tasmanian Devil Trivia

Published by Noelle M. Brooks

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