Tasmanian devil babies, known as joeys, typically become independent from their mothers at around 9 to 12 months of age. This period of independence is a crucial stage in their development as they transition from relying on their mother for food and protection to becoming self-sufficient.
After being born, the joeys remain inside their mother's pouch for about 3 months, where they attach to one of her four teats and continue to develop. As they grow, they start to venture out of the pouch and ride on their mother's back, gradually adapting to the external environment.
Around 7 to 8 months of age, Tasmanian devil joeys start to become more independent, exploring their surroundings, learning hunting and foraging skills, and practicing social interactions with other young devils. During this time, they still rely on their mother for guidance and occasional nursing, but they begin to spend increasing amounts of time away from her.
By approximately 9 to 12 months, the joeys have acquired the necessary skills and maturity to fend for themselves. They disperse from their mother's territory and venture out to establish their own territories. This dispersal helps to prevent inbreeding and ensures genetic diversity within the population.
It is important to note that the exact timing of independence can vary among individual Tasmanian devil joeys, as it depends on factors such as their physical development, environmental conditions, and availability of resources.