Tasmanian devils lived alongside humans in Western Australia’s Pilbara region for tens of thousands of years, according to fossils uncovered at Juukan Gorge. These squat and sable marsupials, now restricted to Tasmania, were once abundant right across Australia, becoming extinct on the mainland about 3,200 years ago.
Juukan Gorge Fossils Confirm Devils in the Pilbara
Excavations of the ancient rock shelter, destroyed by Rio Tinto in 2020, have uncovered jaw and teeth fragments confirming the presence of devils in northwestern Australia – previously a gap in the fossil record. Dr Tim Churchill, a palaeontologist at UNSW and lead author of the research, said the devil fossils, dated to 7,000 and 46,000 years old, were found alongside evidence of their scavenging throughout the time period, including “bite marks on bones” and “acid digestion of bone fragments”.
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Devils were there the entire time, he said, persisting through huge variations in climate, from warm and wet periods, to the last glacial maximum, or ice age, when Australia was cooler and drier. “The Tasmanian devil seems to be pretty unbothered with the changes and adapted.”
Uncovering the Tasmanian Devil’s Adaptability
“We picture them today living in the cold, wet forests of Tasmania, but they’re in fact a highly adaptable species that could be found across the entire mainland continent including the arid, rocky gorge lands of the Pilbara.”
Some gnawed and digested bones may have been scraps and leftovers from human meals, suggesting a long-term commensal relationship between devils and the Pilbara’s first peoples. This coexistence lasted millennia, with devils thriving alongside humans until their mainland extinction around 3,200 years ago.
Key Takeaways
- Tasmanian devils once roamed across mainland Australia, including the arid Pilbara.
- Fossils from Juukan Gorge date back 7,000 and 46,000 years, filling a gap in the record.
- Devils survived dramatic climate shifts, from wet periods to the last ice age.
- Evidence suggests they scavenged human leftovers, indicating coexistence.
- Mainland extinction occurred about 3,200 years ago, leaving only the Tasmanian population.
Comparison: Tasmanian Devil Range Then and Now
| Time Period | Geographic Range | Climate | Human Interaction |
|---|---|---|---|
| 46,000–3,200 years ago | Mainland Australia (including Pilbara) | Varied: warm/wet to glacial | Coexisted, scavenged scraps |
| Present day | Tasmania only | Temperate, cool/wet | Limited, mostly conservation |
Why This Discovery Matters
The Juukan Gorge findings not only rewrite the ecological history of the Tasmanian devil but also highlight the cultural significance of the site, which was destroyed despite its archaeological importance. The research underscores the adaptability of native fauna and offers lessons for modern conservation.
FAQ
When did Tasmanian devils become extinct on mainland Australia?
They became extinct on the mainland about 3,200 years ago, likely due to a combination of climate change, human activity, and the introduction of dingoes.
What evidence was found at Juukan Gorge?
Researchers found jaw and teeth fragments of Tasmanian devils, along with bite marks on bones and acid-digested bone fragments, indicating the devils scavenged in the area.
How did Tasmanian devils survive climate changes?
They were highly adaptable, persisting through warm, wet periods and the last glacial maximum, which was cooler and drier.
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