Tasmanian devils, as apex predators in their ecosystem, do not have many natural predators. However, they are vulnerable to some threats, including:
1. **Humans**: Historically, Tasmanian devils faced persecution from humans, particularly European settlers, who considered them a threat to livestock and hunted them. Today, they are protected by law, and conservation efforts are in place to safeguard their populations.
2. **Tasmanian Tigers (Thylacines)**: While Tasmanian tigers (Thylacines) are considered extinct, before their extinction, they may have been competitors and occasional predators of Tasmanian devils. However, since both species have faced significant declines and changes in their populations, their interactions have been limited.
3. **Birds of Prey**: Large birds of prey, such as wedge-tailed eagles, may pose a threat to young Tasmanian devils, particularly when they are vulnerable during their early stages of life.
4. **Introduced Predators**: In some regions of Australia, introduced predators like feral cats and red foxes can pose a threat to Tasmanian devils, particularly to young devils. These introduced predators are not native to Tasmania.
While these are potential threats to Tasmanian devils, the most significant threat to their populations in recent years has been Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD). This contagious and deadly cancer has had a severe impact on their numbers, and conservation efforts are underway to address this threat and ensure the survival of the species.