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

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.