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Anyone who is at least familiar with zoology knows that this science is studying a large number of mammals. An interesting representative of this class is the Tasmanian devil. It refers to marsupials. It should be said that it is remotely reminiscent of the marsupial wolf, which, unfortunately, today, as the species has disappeared.
Where did the name come from?
The first acquaintance with him happened a long time ago. He was seen by English officers and sailors off the coast of Tasmania. They looked fierce predator. He was supplied with strong sharp teeth and uttered a fierce roar. He immediately began to be considered the enemy of livestock. His teeth were so strong that even large bones and cartilage were nothing to him.He grinds them like a mill. Sometimes he didn’t even mind eating carrion.
Such a name will intrigue any, even a little curious person. That Tasmanian is understandable, because it was first discovered off the coast of Tasmania. But why the devil? Probably, he was so baptized due to the fact that he was making such a fierce roar that sometimes goosebumps went over the skin.
But over the name of the experts still argue. It's all about the sound. Sometimes he is called the Tasmanian Devil. For the first time the word Tasmansky sounded in one of the university works. But some scholars argue that the name Tasmanian in the lexical plan is more correct.
Today, the most commonly used is the name Tasmanian, which gives rise to the assertion of the correctness of its application.
External description
Imbalances can be observed in the extremities. The length of the front legs is much longer than the hind limbs. This is not to say that this animal can run fast, but it can quite develop a speed of up to 13 km per hour. However, this pace is enough for him only at short distances.
The body is covered with black fur. The surface of the breast may be in rare white spots. But such pigmentation can be seen by no means in all representatives of such mammals. Usually the male is much larger than the female. An adult individual can gain a weight of 8 kg, and grow up to 65 cm in length. Females are distinguished by more modest dimensions. Sometimes for individual representatives, body weight can even reach 12 kg.
There are long toes. There are 5 of them in total. Four of them are directed forward, and one looks to the side. Nature is not in vain so disposed.In this way, the predator most successfully holds food. On hind legs there is no one finger, but claws on the other impressive sizes. They provide the animal with a strong grip. It literally tears the prey apart.
Do not envy those who experience the bite of this animal. It bites very painfully, and the force of compression of the jaws can reach up to 553 N. The marsupial beast can open its mouth quite wide. The muzzle has a long mustache. They, of course, the animal is not for beauty - endowed with the function of smell. With their help, a predator can quite easily find a prey in the dark. The sense of smell is so strong that he is able to sense the victim at a distance of 1 km.
It is noteworthy that the devil is well oriented in relation to moving objects. But if they are fixed, then the orientation becomes difficult. The habitat is the Australian state of Tasmania. They are literally scattered throughout its territory.
Characteristic lifestyle
The beast is a typical night and twilight predators. During the day it is inactive. Climbs into a deep hole or shrub, and there rests.The younger generation loves to be in the trees, but as they grow, it becomes more and more difficult to climb them. An adult individual, if experiencing a strong feeling of hunger, can devour young representatives. Climbing up on the tree, they thereby manifest the instinct of self-preservation.
During the day this beast is almost invisible. It is considered a great success if it manages to take a picture. With the onset of night, the devil begins to diligently bypass his territory. He pursues a single goal - to find the prey. His possessions extend to a distance of 20 km. If the paths intersect with other representatives, there will be a struggle.
In addition, the aquatic environment is also a great place to live. They swim beautifully and can cross significant waterways. They are not afraid of cold water, they easily overcome a river 50 m wide.
Power Features
Since the devil is a predator, he will never give up large prey. Do not mind to eat animals the size of a small kangaroo. In reality, they prefer carrion food to hunt for a live animal.These are extremely voracious animals. During the day they can consume food, which is 40% of the volume of their body. Of course, this can only be observed if they are very hungry. Wombat is a favorite dish. But this does not mean that they will abandon other mammals for their lunch.
With pleasure they feed on frogs, various reptiles, fish, and insects. Not averse to feast on livestock, which include sheep. Cases when sea rats become prey are described. This can be observed if the hunt is near water. If a dead fish is thrown out onto the shore by a wave, they will gladly eat it too.
If the beast is located near a person’s dwelling, then he often carries home shoes. At the same time, he is able to pull her apart in small pieces. Absolutely anything that gets into their strong teeth can go into action. It can be leather collars, denim pants, plastic products.
The devil can put an eye on the sheep. Usually he sniffs them from a distance of 15 m. If it becomes clear that the victim is not able to fight back, then a real hunt will start. When the victim is defeated, the meal begins.During it, the beast makes sounds in the amount of 20 pieces. These data were obtained in the process of their study.
These animals clearly seek dominance. This they manifest in the form of a fierce roar or a threatening pose. The greatest aggressiveness is manifested by adult males. A fierce posture includes a stand on its hind legs. Free forelimbs are used to attack. From the side of this picture is somewhat similar to sumo wrestlers.
Some moments in the behavior of animals
For these animals, group consolidation is not typical. More they act alone, spending so much of their time. This can be observed after they are separated from the mother's breast after birth. But it’s very difficult to say about absolute loneliness. Evidence of this is the latest research. It is established that they have biolocators, through which they communicate with each other.
Studies have found that these animals have the ability to install a large contact network. Within its framework, and they communicate.Animals expressly take care of their safety. For this they use three or even four levels of den. The former wombat mink is used by the female while she is pregnant. In such a home she feels quite comfortable and is almost completely safe.
This representative fauna has the character of an angry grumbler. It has pronounced aggressiveness. When meeting with the enemy, widely opening his mouth, exposes quite serious sharp teeth.
The beast can choose a shelter in the thorny grass or find some cave. It is noteworthy that the devil spends almost the entire life in the same mink. Then it is inherited by young people. Piercing sounds threatening animal for a reason. In this way, it protects itself. The intensity of the cry changes as the danger approaches, and he himself has a different character. He is able to make a cry that literally tears the soul. He or screaming, or just wheezing.
These animals are great masters of hiding. If it participates in the hide-and-seek game competition, it will probably win a prize.
As a rule, the marsupial predator is not a threat to humans. However, cases of attacks on tourists are described. If a beast appears nearby, it is necessary to show heightened attention and avoid any provocative actions.
Common diseases
Animals, like all other members of the mammalian class, are subject to various diseases. At the end of the last century, a disease was described, which was called the "Facial Devil's Tumor". Among the representatives of this species, the disease is widespread. According to statistics, it affects from 20 to 80% of the entire population. It has a transmissive mode of transmission and can spread from one animal to another.
It is characteristic that so far the cure for this disease has not been developed. Animals themselves are in search of mechanisms to combat this disease. Such mechanisms really exist and are reduced to the following positions:
- Currently, these animals fat higher sexual maturation. Significantly increased the number of females in a state of pregnancywhose age does not exceed 1 year. This circumstance is a good support for the function of reproduction at the required level.
- Breeding processes are carried out throughout the year. Previously, the duration of the marriage period was only a couple of months a year.
In addition, animals are exposed to cancer. Scientists believe that transmissible tumors may well appear in humans.
Breeding features
To this process, females become ready when they reach puberty. This can usually be observed when their age reaches two years. At this age, they are able to produce offspring twice a year. During this period, they produce eggs. The beginning of the reproductive cycle is March or April. During this period, the environment is replete with potential victims. Therefore, the reproduction at this time does not occur by chance. This is due to an increase in stocks of food. After the birth of young individuals and will feed them. Animals mate day and night. To do this, they choose a safe place. Among males there is a real war for females.The female will choose for herself the one who will occupy a dominant position in this fight.
The copulation process can take as long as five days. Even the cases when he left 8 days are described. Within 21 days, ovulation can occur three times. These representatives are typical monogamous animals. If the female after mating is not protected by the male, she may well once again mate with another representative.
Mother has 4 nipples. In total, about 30 cubs will be born. At birth, they look small and completely helpless. Only the one who has time to take place at the mother’s breast will survive.
Video: Tasmanian Devil (Looney Tunes)
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