# Are Tasmanian Devils Endangered?

> Are tasmanian devils endangered? Status Endangered, main threats, and what protection means.

- **Species:** Tasmanian Devil (*Sarcophilus harrisii*)
- **Conservation status:** Endangered
- **Diet:** Carnivore — carrion, small mammals, birds, and insects
- **Habitat:** Forests, scrub, and farmland across Tasmania
- **Lifespan:** 5–6 years in the wild (up to 8 in captivity)
- **Top speed:** Up to 24 km/h (15 mph) in short bursts
- **Canonical HTML:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/tasmanian-devil/are-tasmanian-devil-endangered/
- **Parent profile:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/tasmanian-devil/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Quick answer

The Tasmanian devil is the world's largest surviving carnivorous marsupial, weighing 6–14 kg (13–31 lb) with powerful jaws that can crush bone. Found only on Tasmania, it is Endangered after devil facial tumour disease (DFTD) wiped out most of the population — captive insurance groups and a vaccine offer hope for recovery.

## Who should skip this page

Skip this if you need the full biology — use the [Tasmanian Devil profile](https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/tasmanian-devil/) instead.

## Jaw power and scavenging

Tasmanian devils have one of the strongest bites relative to body size of any mammal — their wide jaws and thick teeth let them consume entire carcasses including bone and fur. They are primarily scavengers, locating dead wallabies and other animals by smell across kilometres of forest, though they also hunt small prey.

## Help protect the Tasmanian Devil

Devil facial tumour disease wiped out most wild Tasmanian devils — captive insurance populations and research still need support.

[Donate to wildlife protection](https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/donate/)

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/tasmanian-devil/are-tasmanian-devil-endangered/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.