Scientific name: Sarcophilus harrisii
Size: 52-80cm
Diet: Carnivore
Origin: Australasia (Tasmania)
IUCN status: Endangered
Threats: Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD), traffic, attacks by dogs and introduced foxes, persecution
Zoos I have seen them: Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes
Interesting fact: The Tasmanian devil is one of a handful of Australian mammals found to display biofluorescence under ultraviolet light, with the skin around the snout, eyes and inner ears and even their teeth giving off a blue glow. First reported in the species at Toledo Zoo, Ohio, it remains unclear as to whether this biofluorescence serves a function or just happens by chance.
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