The Thylacine (Thylacinus cynocephalus) also known as "Tasmanian tiger" or "Tasmanian wolf" is an extinct species of dasyuriomorph marsupial. The species is known from Australia and Tasmania and was the only extant member of its family, Thylacinidae. It was common on the Australian continent prior to human arrival, dying out 3,000 years ago as a result of the newly arriving humans wiping out megafauna, albeit the species survived with population in Tasmania. The last known individual died on September 7, 1936 at Hobart Zoo, though there have been many unconfirmed sightings in Tasmania since.
Description
The thylacine was a medium size animal, about the size of a gray wolf. Though estimates vary, it seems that the average weight for adult males was 20 kg and that of adult females 14 kg, though there are many higher numbers. It is most well known for its canid-like head and dark stripes, which ran from the base of the back to the shoulder, many images have 'pseudo-stripes' on the tail, which were actually created by the lighting, instead of actual stripes. Both males and females had a pouch, the males had it to protect their testicles.
Behavior
Not much is known about the thylacine's behavior as it was poorly researched before its extinction, but based on what little evidence compiled from the activity of the animal in farms, it is inferred it behaved in a way similar to foxes and coyotes.
Ecology
The thylacine was a moderate sized predator, occupying a niche similar to that of foxes and coyotes. It was carnivorous, and was mostly nocturnal, but did not hesitate to hunt livestock such as chickens and sheep in broad daylight if it had the chance. Its natural diet presumably consisted of animals such as emus, kangaroos, and wombats (which inhabit both Australia and Tasmania). Some studies by researches on the Thylacine’s skull and teeth have led them to believe that they may have also been scavengers during lean times.
Popular Culture
- The thylacine is mentioned in Jurassic World: Alive in the entry for the hybrid Thylos intrepidus.
- It appears in Wild Kratts as one of the two extinct species alongside the dodo.
- A thylacine, Ty, is the main character of the TY the Tasmanian Tiger series of video games.