We hope that each of you, our readers, will fully enjoy and appreciate this article about these 5 Tantalizing Mammals of Tasmania. It was certainly our great pleasure to compile the information for you. May it provide you with both education and increased awareness.
Certainly, however, these few species listed herein represent only a portion of the wildlife found in this region. It’s our belief, though, that they serve as excellent representations of the wonders that abound here. Check out our other articles for similar wonders.
Platypus
Platypus Facts
- Leading off this article about these 5 Tantalizing Mammals of Tasmania comes the ever-perplexing animal known as the Platypus.
- This bizarre looking creature most frequently goes by the simple name, and additionally ranks as one of the most unusual animals on earth. It also sometimes goes by the alternate common name of the Duckbill Platypus, for wholly understandable reasons.
- Researchers, meanwhile, have a much more complicated term used to refer to the animal. That’s because the official scientific name for the species is a true tongue-twister. Scientists use the formal name for the marvel; Ornithorhynchus anatinus.
- By either of these terms, though, it’s a truly distinctive creation of evolution. The respected English botanist and zoologist, George Kearsley Shaw made the first recognition of it as a separate and distinct species. This event occurred in 1799.
- Amazingly, the astounding creature also represents the only known living member of both its Family and Genus. A number of related species, however, do appear in the fossil record of the region. This fact only serves to further augment its great uniqueness.
- Unfortunately, its population numbers appear to be declining. This lamentable trend further seems to hold true throughout the entirety of its natural range. The IUCN, therefore, presently lists it as Near Threatened. That status appears on its Red List.
- The government of the region in which it lives, however, now lists it as Endangered. Efforts to protect the wonder do exist, however. This includes the fact that it’s now a fully Protected Species in all parts of its natural range, providing it some protection.
- Unfortunately, though, the remarkable Platypus faces several threats to its continued existence as a species. Habitat loss, due to man’s expansion currently endangers it, for one. The greatest threat it faces, however, likely comes in the form of climate change.
Platypus Physical Description
In purely physical terms, the bewildering Platypus remains among the most remarkable, and in some ways confusing, animal known to science. That’s due to the astonishing fact that evolution gifted it with attributes normally attributed to several different Classes!
The amazing animal also displays a moderate degree of the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. in its particular case, though, this trait manifests itself in two separate ways. The first of these, like many creatures, occurs in terms of its sheer physical size.
More precisely, the males typically reach greater measurements in both weight and length. Both of these, however, also vary significantly, even within genders. In point of fact, fully grown individuals actually usually range in weight from about 1.6 – 5.3 lb (0.7 – 2.4 kg).
Total length, including the tail and bill, also differs between the sexes. The larger males attain an average overall length of roughly 20 in (50 cm). The females, meanwhile develop smaller, though not significantly so. These average approximately 17 in (43 cm) in length.
The borad, beaver-like tail further enhances its distinctiveness, along with the duck-like bill. The coloring of the stunning Platypus, meanwhile, remains consistent between individuals. This consists of closely related shades of brown across the entire body of the animal.
The fur itself, however, also boasts yet another surprise for those just learning of this marvel of Nature. That’s due to the rather surprising fact that the waterproof fur also develops as bioflourescent in nature. Under ultraviolet light the fur actually glows a bluish-green!
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Monotremata
- Family: Ornithorhynchidae
- Genus: Ornithorhynchus
- Species: O. anatinus
Platypus Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
The marvelous work of evolution known as the Platypus evolved as native to a highly restricted portion of the globe. That’s a region already highlywell know for the mind-boggling variety of life, both flora and fauna, that calls the region of the world home.
That’s because this unique animal evolved as native to the continent of Australia, and its neighboring island state of Tasmania. Even within this region, however, the remarkably evolved animal currently lives in only certain small portions of that overall area.
It further evolved highly specialized needs in terms of habitat requirements. The dazzling fauna lives a semiaquatic life, in all regions in which it appears. This almost exclusively consists of various rivers and small streams to as far north as Cape York Peninsula.
This astounding creature further evolved as a pure carnivore. Its diet generally consists of various combinations of insect larvae, annelid worms, freshwater shrimp and crayfish. It also has a high metabolism, requiring it to consume roughly 20% of its weight each day.
In yet another of its unique traits, the stupendous species also remains one of the few mammals to use electrolocation to find its prey. Its webbed feet, like those of a duck, also allow it to swim quite well, spending much of its time foraging for food.
In yet another deviation from the norm for mammals, the Platypus also possesses venom. It’s also quite powerful, being strong enough to kill smaller animals, such as most dogs. This actually forms in spurs on the back ankles, though only among the males.
Though not fatal to humans, it causes severe reactions. Extreme local swelling typically occurs, along with extreme levels of pain. This takes the form of an agonizingly intense burning sensation that typically last several days, but sometimes last for months.
Orca
Orca Facts
- Next up among our choices for inclusion in this listing of 5 Tantalizing Mammals of Tasmania we present the powerful Orca.
- The term applied names an unforgettable species of toothed whale that many refer to the species as killer whales. This breathtakingly beautiful, but deadly, marvel of Nature also forms the largest extant species of the oceanic dolphin family.
- The powerful creature thus remains regarded as an apex predator in every ocean, much like the Great White Shark. Due to various reasons related to its movements, the IUCN currently lists its conservation status as Data Insufficient.
- That highly uncertain status appears on the organization’s Red List of Threatened Species. This also occurs because many scientists believe that the behavior of various local populations may indicate the existence of two or more subspecies of Orca.
- Nonetheless, many individuals currently believe this magnificent creature to be facing various threats to its continued existence. Lamentably, one of these perils continues to be that of becoming an accidental bycatch in commercial fishing.
- Another threat, however, continues to be the danger of encounters with boats. That holds true of both fishing and recreational forms. Its greatest threat, however, most likely comes from the tragic ongoing effects of climate change.
Orca Physical Description
Perhaps most notably, the adult Orca possesses a very distinctive color pattern. and is therefore rarely confused with any other creature, even at a distance. Typically, the animal presents black on the back with sides and chest a bright white in color.
This animal also displays a white patch present behind and above the eye. Its body shape is heavy and robust. A small degree of sexual dimorphism exists as well. The male Orca averages between 20-26 ft (6-8 m) in length, and about 12,000 lb (5,443 kg) in weight.
Females, however, develop somewhat smaller than that in overall size. In point of fact, these reach maturity with an average length of 16-23 ft (5-7 m), and an average weight of 8,000 lb (3,629 kg). The dorsal fin of the male is also twice the size of that of the female.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Artiodactyla
- Family: Delphinidae
- Genus: Orcinus
- Species: O. orca
Orca Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
Further augmenting its status, the breathtaking Orca has an extraordinarily broad range of habitation. That’s due to the fact that it inhabits every ocean on earth, from tropical seas to the Arctic and Antarctic areas, and has no known natural predators.
Due to its great range and global distribution, an exact estimate of its numbers is impossible. However, the general estimate is that there are at least 50,000 surviving Orca individuals at this time. But that number could change with new informtion.
Though the species remains present globally, the greatest concentrations exist in higher latitudes and coastal regions. The largest population concentration also lives in the region of the Antarctic. This fact often surprises those new to knowledge of it.
Sometimes referred to as the wolves of the sea, the Orca typically hunts in packs. Its favorite prey varies rather greatly, with specialization occurring between local populations. Overall, its food primarily consists of fish, birds, and various marine mammals.
That includes species such as baleen whales, other toothed whales, seals, sea lions, walruses, and at times sea otters. In addition, in the wild, the majority of Orca specimens observed appear to live as long as 90 years. In captivity, sadly, individuals die much younger.
Tasmanian Devil
Tasmanian Devil Facts
- Third up in this compilation of 5 Tantalizing Mammals of Tasmania, the aptly-named Tasmanian Devil appears there only due to random selection.
- This amazing species long ago became a symbol of aggressiveness and savage behavior. While fact often becomes mistaken for fiction, in its case this symbolism is indeed based in fact. That’s because it tends to have an extremely aggressive nature.
- The impressive creature also represents a most unusual type of animal. That holds true because the remarkably animal classifies as a carnivorous marsupial mammal. The amazing animal also presently ranks as the largest such species still in existence.
- Sadly, however, the Tasmanian Devil may not hold that particular distinction for long. It once appeared numerous throughout a comparatively wide range of habitation. The creature now exists almost exclusively in only one isolated location in the world.
- Its numbers dwindled dramatically during the 19th and early 20th centuries, though. But, the unique mammal finally became a protected species in 1941. Consequently, the population of the species slowly began to recover, at least for a period of time.
- Beginning in 1996, a new, and serious threat emerged. At that time, a bizarre disease began to ravage the population. Causing severe facial tumors, it eventually prevents feeding, and leads to starvation. Due to this, the IUCN now lists it as Endangered.
Tasmanian Devil Physical Description
Although the Amazing Tasmanian Devil ranks as the largest animal of its kind, it nevertheless remains relatively small. The magnificent animal does, however, display a moderate degree of sexual dimorphism. In its case, the males attain a slightly larger size than females.
This holds true due to the fact that males usually develop a head-and-body length of about 25.7 in (65.2 cm). The tail of the creature averages a length of roughly 10.2 in (25.8 cm). In terms of weight, the males of the species generally average about 18 lb (8.16 kg).
Yet the females of the species usually only reach about 22 in (57 cm) in head-and-body length. Further, the same females also develop a tail averaging 9.6 in (24.4 cm) in length. But, in terms of weight, these same females only typically reach a weight of about 13.2 lb (6 kg).
In both genders, the front legs grow somewhat longer than the rear legs. This gives the Tasmanian Devil a distinctive gait. In addition, the fur usually presents mainly black. Uneven white spots or splotches also sometimes appear on the rump and chest of the mammal.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Dasyuromorphia
- Family: Dasyuridae
- Genus: Sarcophilus
- Species: S. harrisii
Tasmanian Devil Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
As the name implies, the Tasmanian Devil is indigenous to the island of Tasmania. Though once present on the mainland of Australia, this now serves as home to all but a handful of individuals in the wild. The only others exist on a tiny island joined to it at high tide.
Within that limited range, however, the mammal proves itself to be highly adaptable. As a result, it presently inhabits every type of habitat on the island. This often even includes the outlying portions of urban areas. This, however, often proves to be to its detriment.
This carnivore also evolved as both nocturnal and crepuscular in nature. The prey of the Tasmanian Devil sometimes includes animals as large as small kangaroos. It most commonly prefers to hunt small prey, though. Being opportunistic, it eats carrion more than it hunts.
Finally, its reputation for aggressive behavior remains quite well deserved. That holds true due to the fact that, mainly living a solitary life, except for mating, males often fight savagely in encounters. Even its mating habits have been referred to as extremely vigorous in nature.
Fin Whale
Fin Whale Facts
- Next up in this compendiun of these 5 Tantalizing Mammals of Tasmania we present the other marine species, the Fin Whale.
- This magnificent work of Nature and evolution most frequently goes by this common name. It also goes by the alternate name of the common rorqual and the finback whale. Previously, many people also knew it by two other unique terms.
- Those formerly used names consisted of the razorback whale and the herring whale. Scientists, however, know it by yet another term. It’s a much more difficult to pronounce term, however. That’s its technical name of Balaenoptera physalus.
- The first formal acknowledgement of the astounding creature as a separate and distinct species occurred in 1758. That official recognition additionally took place at the hands of the highly esteemed Swedish botanist and zoologist, Carl Linnaeus.
- Regrettably, like many of its brethren, humans once hunted this mammoth of the seas mercilessly. Due to the actions of humans, its population plummeted. Thankfully, though, the International Whaling Commission issued a moratorium on hunting of it.
- Following this action, its numbers slowly rebounded, though its numbers still lag far behind the original. Current estimates now place its global population at between 100,000 and 119,000. The IUCN, therefore, now lists the cetacean as Vulnerable.
- The beautiful Fin Whale still faces many threats to its existence, despite the ban. That’s because of several factors. One of those consists of the fact that Japan and Iceland have resumed hunting. It further faces the ongoing threat posed by climate change.
Fin Whale Physical Description
The breathtaking Fin Whale quite easily impresses the viewer for several undeniable reasons. The first of these, however, has to be its sheer physical size. That’s due to the fact that the whale represents the second-largest of all creatures known to currently exist.
Physical dimensions actually vary between populations in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Overall, however, the difference remains relatively minor. Individuals further display a moderate degree of the physiological trait of sexual dimorphism.
In its specific case, this trait manifests in terms of physical size. More precisely, females attain an average body length slightly greater than that of the males. The former average around 66 ft (20 m), while the males only attain lengths averaging about 61 ft (18.5 m).
The body weights of the genders, understandably, also differ. In the Northern Hemisphere, the longer females typically weigh 111,000 lbs (50,349 kg), but the males only average 85,000 lb (38,555 kg). In the Southern Hemisphere, both measurements are slightly greater.
Otherwise, though, the two sexes remain virtually identical in terms of general physical appearance. This visual pattern remains a complex mix, though. The underside appears an off-white in color. The upperside, meanwhile, appears grayish to brownish.
The head of the Fin Whale, though, presents a unique pattern of its own. On the left side, this appears a dark gray. The right side, though, shows a surprisingly complex pattern. This consists of various patches of contrasting light and dark gray and brown shades.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Artiodactyla
- Family: Balaenopteridae
- Genus: Balaenoptera
- Species: B. physalis
Fin Whale Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
One factor working in the favor of the awesome Fin Whale continues to be its habitat range. That’s because this species, like most rorquals, has a cosmopolitan distribution. In point of fact, populations appear in virtually all of the major oceans of the globe.
These include regions extending from both the North and South Poles, to all of the tropical regions. The exceptions to this range remain few, in fact. These include the zones near the ice packs at both poles. Others, though, include areas such as the Red Sea.
This wonder of Nature also displays a high degree of versatility in its habitat preferences. That’s clearly demonstrated, however, by its appearance in such wide-ranging climates. It does appear to be more common intemperate and cool waters, though.
Like many of its related species, this cetacean evolved as a filter feeder. It therefore feeds primarily on vast quantities of krill. Its diet does, however, include a smaller percentage of other prey. These include other small crustaceans, fish, and sometimes squid.
It in turn has only one known natural predator, other than mankind, of course. That’s the equally magnificent Orca. To the best knowledge of researchers, however, such attacks occur on a rare basis. When they do, it typically involves several so-called killer whales.
For the amazing Fin Whale, mating usually occurs in the Winter. The females typically give birth every 2-3 years, and to a single calf, though multiples do occur. These sometimes number as many as calves. Finally, mobile groups generally average 6-10 specimens.
Tiger Quoll
Tiger Quoll Facts
- Closing out this article about these 5 Tantalizing Mammals of Tasmania we come to the smaller, but still intriguing, animal named the Tiger Quoll.
- The term applied to it serves as the common name for a truly amazing creation of Nature. Scientists, however, know it by a wholly different name. That’s because, among professional researchers, it’s generally referred to as the Dasyurus maculatus.
- Some local inhabitants of the range it inhabits also refer to it by yet another common name. That alternate term’s the name of Spotted Quoll. Regardless of which name one uses for it though, this marvel of evolution remains a most fascinating animal.
- This statement, perhaps surprising to some, holds true because the animal evolved as a carnivorous marsupial. It ranks as unusual due to one particular fact. That’s the fact that the animal represents one of only 40 such marsupials known to inhabit the earth.
- This interesting animal also stands out for its size. That’s because it ranks as the largest extant carnivorous marsupial in the region it inhabits. Though not the heaviest, the species nevertheless qualifies as the longest known such marsupial on earth.
- Within its zone of habitation, science considers it an apex predator. Biologists also recognize two known subspecies. For now, the IUCN lists the Tiger Quoll as Near Threatened. Sadly, it remains vulnerable to habitat loss and climate change.
Tiger Quoll Physical Description
Perhaps most notably, out of all the known species of quoll, the Tiger Quoll remains the largest. Like many other creatures, this marsupial also displays the trait of sexual dimorpshism. In this particular case, that trait manifests itself in terms of sheer physical size.
In this species, that attribute displays itself in the fact that males attain significantly larger sizes. The much larger male of the species attains an average weight of roughly 7.7 lb (3.5 kg). The adult males also average about 36.6 in (93 cm) in the total head and body length.
The female of this fascinating species, meanwhile, attains a markedly smaller size. While this is a reasonably common characteristic among mammals, this creature takes it to a greater degree than some. This discrepancy manifests itself in terms of weight and length.
In point of fact, the female only attains an average body weight of about 4 lb (1.8 kg). The females further only average a head and body length of 31.9 in (81 cm). This size difference does, however, make it easier for researchers to distinguish the genders in the wild.
The tails generally grow longer than the head and body. The legs of the Tiger Quoll usually develop quite short in length. The coat also typically shows a brownish-red, with white spots. The underbelly, though, usually displays either an off-white or light gray in color.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Dasyuromorphia
- Family: Dasyuridae
- Genus: Dasyurus
- Species: D. maculatus
Tiger Quoll Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
To the surprise of few individuals, the fabulous Tiger Quoll evolved as endemic to a portion of the world already renowned for its amazing flora and fauna. That’s due to the fact that the amazing mammal originated in the eastern regions of the continent of Australia.
The species also impresses researchers for yet another reason. That’s because it can also tolerate a wide variety of habitats. The great majority of individuals most commonly appear in the relatively abundant areas of either eucalyptus forest or rainforest, however.
Although highly adaptable, the incredible animal does display a decided preference for where it spends the greater portion of its time. More precisely, the creature generally lives on the ground. The small but powerful marsupial can, and frequently does, climb trees, though.
Fortunately for it, this creates a limitation to the number of predators the Tiger Quoll faces. But species such as the Masked Owl and the Tasmanian Devil do prey upon it. Yet in turn, the astonishing carnivore appears to be extremely indiscriminate in its own choice of prey.
This perhaps gives it something of an evolutionary advantage. These prey include a wide variety of insects, snakes, lizards, small mammals, birds, rabbits, and wallabies, to name a few. Many individuals also prefer to scavenge large prey when it is available.
5 Tantalizing Mammals of Tasmania
We sincerely hope that you have thoroughly enjoyed reading, and hopefully learning from, this article about 5 Tantalizing Mammals of Tasmania. It’s also our fervent hope that doing so has left you with either a new or renewed appreciation for such wonders of Nature.
Unfortunately, however, many of their kindred around the world now find themselves facing dire threats to their continued existence as a species. Many of those dangers, in fact, stem from the actions of mankind. We must do all we can to protect and preserve them all.
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