The Tasmanian devil became the world’s largest carnivorous marsupial following the extinction of the Tasmanian tiger. Now a threatened species in their own right, the devils have found themselves on the endangered species list.
We’re sure there’s some people out there who grew up completely unaware that the Tasmanian devil wasn’t just a Looney Tunes character, but a real animal. The only similarities between the animal and the cartoon character are the ferocity when feeding, and the strange and unusual loud sounds they make.
Male Tasmanian devils are not monogamous and will fight one another for females, but will guard their females to prevent them from being unfaithful. We guess these animals are not too far removed from some humans.
Tasmanian devils can give birth to 20-30 babies (can you imagine the cuteness?). Sadly only few survive due to the female having only four nipples in its pouch. The babies weigh only 200g when expelled from the pouch, but will remain by their mother’s side for up to nine months.
In the past 20 years, Tasmanian devil populations have been struck by DFTD (Devil Facial Tumour Disease). Programs have been set up to protect the species by breeding in captivity, isolating them from those in the wild who carry the disease, and introducing the animals back to mainland NSW and zoos around the world to prevent their extinction.
Whether you love the Looney Tunes character but don’t want a cartoon character tattoo, or the Tasmanian devil is your favourite Aussie animal, here’s some tattoo inspo for you.
Australian natives and Tasmanian devil tattoo by @melaniemilnetattoos
Tasmanian devil tattoo cover up by @alimanners
Tasmanian tea party. Tasmanian tiger and Tasmanian devil enjoying some ANZAC biscuits and Vegemite sandwiches with their tea. Tattoo by @rhihusty
Tasmanian devil tattoo by @brittanykilsby