Tails of Resilience: How Tasmanian Devils Store Strength for Hard Times (Episode 44)

Resilient Healthy Bodies Begin with Gut Biodiversity with Elisa Bremner – RD, Green Bites (Ep 43)

June 11, 2025

Tails of Resilience Part 2: Saving the Tasmanian Devil with Dean Reid (Episode 45)

June 25, 2025

In this episode of Resilience Gone Wild, host Jessica Morgenthal explores the extraordinary resilience of the Tasmanian devil, one of Australia’s most iconic and misunderstood marsupials. Known for their fierce vocalizations and scavenging habits, Tasmanian devils are also masters of survival. One of their most fascinating adaptations is how they store fat in their thick, muscular tails, an evolutionary strategy that allows them to survive long periods without food by relying on these reserves. Jessica dives into this natural design and what it teaches us about preparing for life’s lean times and the many types of resilience we would benefit from building up. The episode also sheds light on the devastating impact of devil facial tumor disease (DFTD), the power of conservation, and how organizations like Aussie Ark are fighting to protect this resilient species. This is a powerful reflection on what we can learn from wildlife about adaptability, endurance, and the quiet strength of preparing for uncertainty.

Takeaways:

Tasmanian devils store fat in their tails, a key survival mechanism during times of food scarcity.
Their tail condition is a visible indicator of overall health and resilience.
The behavior and biology of Tasmanian devils demonstrate how nature prepares for uncertainty.
Human resilience can mirror nature’s resilience by building up eight different types of wellness reserves.
Devil facial tumor disease has led to a dramatic decline in wild populations, making conservation efforts critical.
Wildlife conservation relies on public awareness and evolving perceptions of misunderstood species.

Keywords:

Tasmanian devil, Aussie Ark, resilience, tail fat storage, wildlife conservation, devil facial tumor disease, energy reserves, animal survival strategies, biodiversity, nature adaptation, marsupials, stress response, environmental awareness, sustainability, financial resilience, emotional resilience, occupational resilience, spiritual resilience, physical resilience, social resilience, intellectual resilience, environmental resilience

Sound Bites:

“Prepare for lean times when the scent of food fades.”

“Building resilience by building up reserves.”

“Nature has already mapped out how to survive the hard times.”

“The Tasmanian devil reminds us that strength is often quiet and steady.”

“Resilience doesn’t need a spotlight.”

Resources & Further Reading: