Cameras on special collars were fitted to a handful of devils in the state's remote northwest from 2013-17 in the University of Tasmania study.

Their movement at night, life in their dens, plus interactions with other devils, was all captured on tape.

"We've gotten a sneak peak into their lives and can see what they're up to when a human isn't watching," researcher Dr Georgina Andersen said.

Predominantly a scavenger, one of the devils was recorded hunting.

The 10 kilogram male chased and latched onto the leg of a rabbit or small pademelon in a livestock paddock.

"It was a bit of a holy grail moment for me - it's what I really wanted to capture," Dr Andersen said.

Unfortunately for the devil, its meal got away.

"The devil didn't try and chase it down. It just stood there snorting like he was venting his frustration with the animal escaping."

It is hoped the vision of social interactions between devils can help in the battle against the deadly facial tumour disease which is prolific in the species.

The cancer is spread between devils by biting.

A better understanding of the frequency and location of biting will help predict the spread of the disease, Dr Andersen said.

The devils' closest interactions took place when travelling, but three-quarters of those involved only vocalisations and no physical contact, the study documented.

Interactions at dens and around carcasses were much less frequent but also involved a low frequency of physical contact and biting.

The study, published last month in scientific journal Plos One, also found the carnivores run at a constant pace when active.

"They do a lot of moving, they pretty much spend the whole night jogging," Dr Andersen, who has worked with devils for eight years, said.

Australian Associated Press