Tasmanian devil mothers, also known as females or joeys, have a relatively short gestation period of about 21 days after mating. The females give birth to between 20 to 30 tiny, underdeveloped newborns known as "pinkies." However, due to the limited number of teats available (usually four), only the strongest four to six pinkies typically survive.
The Pouch:
The Tasmanian devil has an external pouch, which is a unique feature among marsupial species. The tiny, naked pinkies immediately crawl into the pouch shortly after birth. They attach themselves to the teats and begin suckling on the mother's nutritious milk, which is rich in antibodies and fat.
Development in the Pouch:
Inside the pouch, the pinkies are protected and have direct access to their mother's milk, allowing them to continue growing and developing. Although the female may occasionally venture outside the den for food and water, the pinkies remain firmly attached to the teats.
Emergence from the Pouch:
After about four to five months, the young Tasmanian devils, now known as "joeys," start to outgrow the pouch. They may begin to peek their heads out and explore their surroundings. This period is characterized by increased activity, and they gradually start to take short excursions outside the den.
Weaning and Independence:
As the joeys grow, their mother begins to wean them off her milk. They start consuming solid foods, mostly meat, and gradually learn how to hunt and survive on their own. The joeys become increasingly independent and eventually become fully weaned around eight to nine months of age.
Leaving the Den:
Once they are fully weaned, the young Tasmanian devils are ready to venture out and leave their mother's den. They disperse to establish their territories and continue their solitary lifestyle, although they may occasionally encounter and interact with other devils in their search for food.
Solitary Lifestyle:
Tasmanian devils are solitary animals, and while the young joeys may briefly engage in play or social interactions during their early development, they eventually adopt the solitary lifestyle characteristic of their species.
It's worth noting that in some cases, Tasmanian devils may face challenging circumstances, such as habitat loss, disease, and dwindling prey availability, which can affect their reproductive success and survival rates. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect this iconic marsupial species and ensure their long-term survival in the wild.