As per recent updates, the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE) in Tasmania has released a report documenting eight claimed sightings of the Tasmanian tiger, also known scientifically as the thylacine, in the past three years. The Tasmanian tiger is an extinct carnivorous marsupial, with marsupials being distinguished as mammals, where the offspring are born underdeveloped, and later nurtured within a pouch on the mother’s belly. Most commonly found in Australia, New Guinea, and America, these marsupials used to be widespread across the Australian continent, stretching north into New Guinea and South to Tasmania, now an island state of Australia.
The Thylacine’s Historical Range
Historically, the thylacine was abundant all over the Australian continent. It stretched from its northern tip in New Guinea to the southern extremes of Tasmania, an island state of Australia. However, in more recent times, its presence was relegated solely to Tasmania. The specie’s disappearance from mainland Australia is believed to date back over 2000 years. The primary reasons for its decline include excessive hunting by humans, outbreaks of diseases, and competition with the dingo, a species of wild dog endemic to Australia.
Persecution and Extinction
The thylacine also underwent relentless persecution as it was considered a risk to sheep populations. During the latter part of its existence, hunting of this marsupial was motivated by collecting goals of various museums and zoos. The last known specimen of the thylacine died in captivity more than 80 years ago, in Hobart Zoo based in Tasmania, 1936 marking the year of its extinction.
Physical Characteristics of the Thylacine
Also referred to as the Tasmanian Wolf, the thylacine bore a resemblance to the dog. Notable distinguishing features of this creature included dark stripes that began at the rear of its body and extended into its stiff tail, as well as an abdominal pouch.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Tasmanian Tiger/ Tasmanian Wolf |
| Scientific Name | Thylacine |
| Extinction Year | 1936 |
| Last Known Specimen | Died in Tasmania’s Hobart Zoo |
| Distinguishing Features | Dark stripes and abdominal pouch |
Recent Sightings
Over the last three years, eight sightings of the thylacine have been reported in Tasmania. These reports provide a glimmer of hope that the thylacine may still exist, despite being officially classified as extinct by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Last Modified: February 6, 2024