Tasmanian devil fossils discovered in Western Australia's Pilbara region

New archaeological evidence from the Juukan 2 rockshelter in Western Australia’s Pilbara region reveals that Tasmanian devils lived alongside humans in the area for thousands of years. Researchers from the University of New South Wales discovered fossils, including a jaw and a molar, that provide the first unequivocal evidence of the species in this specific region.

The findings suggest that Tasmanian devils frequently scavenged scraps from human campsites. Analysis of over 8,000 bones from the site showed tooth marks consistent with devil scavenging, occurring across deposits spanning approximately 47,000 years. This includes periods during the Last Glacial Maximum.

While Tasmanian devils were once widespread across mainland Australia, they are now restricted to Tasmania. Evidence suggests they died out on the mainland roughly 3,500 years ago, a decline potentially linked to increased human activity and the introduction of the dingo.