The Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) is one of the most fascinating and fearsome creatures in the animal kingdom. Native to the island of Tasmania, this small but powerful marsupial is known for its ferocious nature, strong jaws, and most notably, its chilling vocalizations. The sound of a Tasmanian devil is unlike anything else in the wild-an eerie mix of growls, screeches, and screams that can send shivers down the spine of anyone who hears it.
But why do Tasmanian devils make these terrifying noises? What do their vocalizations mean? And how do they use sound to communicate with one another? Let’s dive into the world of the Tasmanian devil and uncover the secrets behind its unique and haunting calls.
What Does a Tasmanian Devil Sound Like?
Many people expect the Tasmanian devil to sound like the famous Looney Tunes character, but the real-life version is far more frightening. Their vocalizations range from deep, guttural growls to high-pitched shrieks, depending on their mood and situation.
1. Blood-Curdling Screams
One of the most famous sounds of a Tasmanian devil is its loud, piercing scream. This scream can be heard from far away and is often used to intimidate rivals or warn intruders to stay away. The eerie sound is why early European settlers gave the animal its devilish name.
2. Deep Growls and Snarls
When two Tasmanian devils face off in a confrontation, they often exchange deep growls and snarls. These sounds are meant to establish dominance and avoid physical fights. While they look aggressive, devils prefer to scare each other off with noise before resorting to combat.
3. Sharp Screeches
Tasmanian devils let out high-pitched screeches when they are frightened or startled. These screeches serve as distress calls, alerting other devils to potential danger.
4. Chattering and Huffing Sounds
When devils eat together, they make rapid chattering noises as a warning to others not to steal their food. Huffing or heavy breathing is another common sound, often used to express frustration or anxiety.
Why Do Tasmanian Devils Make So Much Noise?
Tasmanian devils are social animals, despite their aggressive reputation. Their vocalizations serve many purposes, from establishing dominance to warning others of danger.
1. To Establish Dominance
Tasmanian devils are solitary but come together during feeding, where intense competition occurs. Instead of fighting, they use loud growls, screeches, and hisses to assert dominance over a carcass. The loudest and most aggressive-sounding devil often gets the biggest share of food.
2. To Defend Their Territory
Like many wild animals, Tasmanian devils use sound to mark and defend their territory. Their screams and growls warn other devils to stay away, preventing unnecessary fights.
3. To Attract Mates
During the breeding season, male Tasmanian devils make deep, rumbling growls to attract females. These sounds also serve to warn other males to keep their distance.
4. To Express Fear or Distress
Tasmanian devils have many natural predators, including large birds of prey and, in the past, the now-extinct Tasmanian tiger. When threatened, they let out high-pitched screams to scare off attackers or call for help.
Where Can You Hear a Tasmanian Devil?
If you want to hear the chilling calls of a Tasmanian devil, you’ll need to visit their natural habitat or one of the wildlife parks in Tasmania.
1. In the Wild
Tasmanian devils are found in forests, coastal scrublands, and open grasslands across Tasmania. They are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. If you camp in the Tasmanian wilderness, you might hear their eerie calls echoing through the darkness.
2. Wildlife Parks and Sanctuaries
Because Tasmanian devils are endangered, conservation parks and sanctuaries have been set up to protect them. Places like the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo and Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary offer safe environments where visitors can hear and observe devils up close.
3. Near Roadside Carcasses
Tasmanian devils are scavengers, feeding on carrion rather than hunting live prey. They often gather around roadkill, making their presence known with loud growls and screeches as they compete for food.
The Tasmanian Devil in Folklore and Mythology
The fearsome sounds of the Tasmanian devil have long been a source of mystery and superstition. Indigenous Tasmanians and early European settlers had many beliefs about these strange and noisy creatures.
1. The Devil’s Curse
When early settlers heard the blood-curdling screams of the Tasmanian devil at night, they believed the island was haunted by demons. This eerie reputation led to the name ‘devil,’ which stuck even after the animal was studied by scientists.
2. A Symbol of Strength and Survival
In Indigenous Tasmanian culture, the Tasmanian devil was seen as a symbol of strength and survival. Its ability to eat almost anything and withstand harsh conditions made it a respected creature.
3. Misunderstood Monsters
Despite their fierce reputation, Tasmanian devils are not as dangerous as they seem. They rarely attack humans and prefer to avoid conflict. Their aggressive sounds are more about bluffing than actual violence.
How to Protect the Tasmanian Devil
Unfortunately, Tasmanian devils are an endangered species, with their numbers declining due to a deadly disease called Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD). Conservation efforts are crucial to ensuring their survival.
1. Support Conservation Programs
Organizations like Save the Tasmanian Devil Program are working to breed healthy devils and release them into the wild. Supporting these efforts can help protect the species.
2. Drive Carefully in Tasmania
Many Tasmanian devils are killed by cars while scavenging roadkill. If you’re driving in Tasmania, be cautious at night to avoid hitting these nocturnal animals.
3. Avoid Using Poison in the Wild
Pesticides and poisons meant for pests can harm Tasmanian devils when they consume contaminated prey. Using eco-friendly pest control methods can help keep them safe.
4. Educate Others About Their Importance
Many people still fear Tasmanian devils due to their aggressive sounds. Raising awareness about their true nature can help people appreciate and protect these unique animals.
The sound of a Tasmanian devil is one of the most terrifying and unique calls in the animal world. From deep growls to piercing screams, these nocturnal marsupials use their voices to communicate, defend their territory, and avoid unnecessary fights.
While their vocalizations have led to myths and fears, Tasmanian devils are not as dangerous as they sound. In reality, they play a crucial role in their ecosystem, cleaning up carrion and maintaining balance in the wild.
As these fascinating creatures face the threat of extinction, understanding and protecting them is more important than ever. Whether you hear their haunting calls in the Tasmanian wilderness or in a wildlife sanctuary, take a moment to appreciate the raw power and beauty of one of nature’s most vocal survivors.