Communication in the tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus barrisii) and a survey of auditory communication in the marsupialia.

The female-male interaction system of the Tasmanian devil, Sarcophilus barrisii, was analyzed in captivity. A description of visual, chemical, tactile, and auditory signals was prepared based on an encounter series. The vocalizations of the Tasmanian devil were classified and described with respect to their probable function. The vocalizations of other marsupials are compared with those of the Tasmanian devil. Four basic syllable types are defined. Although the auditory signals of marsupials are generally low in intensity and easily overlooked by an investigator, it would appear that they exhibit a complexity equivalent to the calls of many Eutherian mammals. Marsupial vocalizations are not necessarily always produced in specific contexts, but the four basic vocalization types are related to at least four different functions and reflect adaptations for conveying information in several widely differing contexts. The problems of establishing homologies among vocalizations are discussed.