Dasyure or Dasyurus are the brush-tailed opossums, a genus of plantigrade marsupials found in Australia and Tasmania. They are so named in contrast to the opossums of the New World (Didelphys), which have naked tails somewhat like rats. The ursine dasyure (Dasyurus ursinus) of Tasmania is about the size of a badger, but of a sturdier form, of a dull black colour, carnivorous, and of so savage a temper as to have gained for itself the alternative name of Diabolus ursinus, or Tasmanian Devil. Formerly it was most destructive to flocks and poultry-yards, but by the start of the 20th century it was nearly extirpated in inhabited districts. The various species of the genus have much the same nature and habits as the European polecat. Research Dasyure
The Tasmanian devil (Dasyurus ursinus, Diabolus ursinus or Sarcophilus ursinus) is a strongly built nocturnal mammal of the Dasyure (bush-tailed opposums) family, closely related to the thylacine and like it confined to the island of Tasmania. The head is disproportionately large, and the plantigrade feet and general build give the animal a resemblance to a small bear. Carnivorous in habit and very strong, the Tasmanian devil will attack any kind of animal and can easily overpower a sheep. The Tasmanian devil lives in a burrow and is fierce and untameable. Between three and five young are produced at time. The name Tasmanian devil was originally given to the animal by British settlers at Hobart following persistent raids upon their poultry by the animals. Research Tasmanian Devil
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Abbreviations
Research Dasyure
