The Fauna Of Tasmania
When we think of the fauna of Tasmania, “the devil” that was very popular in the cartoons automatically comes to mind. However, it is not the only animal we can find on this island in Oceania. Learn more about her below.
What is the Tasmanian fauna like?
With the majority of birds and reptiles, the Tasmanian fauna has evolved in such a way that it can survive the island’s wet and forest ecosystem.
Some of the animals that live in it are:
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Demon of Tasmania
We couldn’t begin this list without naming the most famous animal in Tasmania.
It is a carnivorous marsupial similar in size to a small dog, but more muscular and robust.
Covered in black fur, he is known for his screams and his stench.
The Tasmanian devil – photo that opens this article – feeds on carrion, debris or garbage thrown by people.
It is solitary and very agile: it has the ability to climb trees and swim in rivers.
As for their reproduction, males fight each other to obtain a female and then continually monitor her to avoid female infidelity.
This is because they can ovulate many times in a few weeks and mate with more than one partner.
The puppies are pink and only four survive because the mother has four nipples to feed them.
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Tasmanian tree frog
This species lives in the west of the island, where vegetation is more abundant.
It is medium in size – about 60mm long and can be either light green or dark brown in color, with ‘dots’ that allow it to blend in with branches and trunks.
Litoria ewingii (scientific name) feeds on insects and reproduces after heavy rains.
During this period, the males call the females to the water, where after mating they lay up to 120 eggs among the mosses.
Tadpoles remain submerged for months until they complete the entire metamorphosis process.
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Caledonian Roselle
There are many birds that make up the fauna of Tasmania, and among them we can highlight this parrot, which is also found in the Bass Strait islands.
It prefers areas covered with trees up to 1,500 meters above sea level, in order to be able to feed on seeds, flowers, fruits and, sometimes, small insects.
The Caledonian Rosella measures about 37 centimeters and its plumage is very colorful; for it has a yellow head and chest, blue and gray wings, and a red and blue face; the beak is small and white.
The breeding season starts in October and consists of a single litter, made in tree cavities.
The female lays about five eggs and, after birth, the young are kept with their parents for a month.
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Tasmanian brown tree frog
It is familiar from the tree frog, although it is more widespread in Oceania than before. It can reach 45 millimeters, its body is dark brown on the back and light on the belly, with some green spots or black stripes. His bulging, dark eyes attract attention.
The Tasmanian brown tree frog feeds on flying insects and can breed year-round as long as it rains, as the eggs need water to develop. When it’s cold, they have the possibility to freeze to survive.
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Tribonyx mortierii
Finally, within the Tasmanian fauna, we cannot ignore Tribonyx mortierii, a flightless bird that lives in pastures near water, north and east of the island. It is robust in appearance, its feathers are dark, except for a white mark on the belly, yellow beak and reddish eyes.
They live in groups of up to five individuals, are sedentary and maintain territories of up to two hectares. They generally practice polygamy and breed after the rains in July. The nest is made on the ground and each female lays up to eight eggs.
