What Would Tasmanian Devils Say About Humans If They Could

Abstract

This short essay asks how Homo sapiens would be categorised by another species, such as the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii), if that species could judge humans by human criteria. The author notes that the Tasmanian devil, a carnivorous marsupial now found only in Tasmania, has been regarded as a cruel, bad-tempered and belligerent beast because of prejudice, Aboriginal myths, its screams and snarls when fighting over food, and the odour it releases under stress. Close study of its habits, however, shows it to be quite timid, no danger to humans and an excellent scavenger, its frightening displays being expressions of fear, probably resulting from its massive decline caused by settlers or by facial tumour disease. Applying the same criteria to humans, the essay argues that humans might be classed as the worst beast on the planet, citing cruelty throughout history, bad temper and bloodthirst shown in wars, terror and everyday killing, excessive belligerence between nations, meat consumption on the largest scale through mass animal farming, and overuse of natural resources and pollution that endanger other species. The author acknowledges that such a categorisation can only be made by humans and is a fiction, but concludes that it highlights the need to restrict humanity's harassment of the planet and the urgent need for nature conservation.

Abstract prepared by the editorial office from the full text of the article; the authors did not supply one.