Thylacine Profile

34. Thylacine Profile

Common Name: Thylacine, Tasmanian Tiger
Scientific Name: Thylacinus cynocephalus
Genus: Thylacinus
Family: Thylacinidae
Order: Dasyuromorphia
Class: Mammalia
Phylum: Chordata
Conservation Status: Extinct (since 1936)

Physical Description

The Thylacine was a carnivorous marsupial that resembled a large dog with some tiger-like characteristics. It had a slim body, short fur, and distinct dark stripes running from the middle of its back to the base of its tail, which earned it the nickname "Tasmanian Tiger." The Thylacine also had a large head with a pointed snout, and its jaws were capable of opening remarkably wide, up to 80 degrees.

• Height: 60 cm at the shoulder

• Length: 100 – 130 cm (plus a 50 – 65 cm tail)

• Weight: 15 – 30 kg

Although Thylacines resembled canines in many ways, they were marsupials, meaning they carried their young in a pouch. Unlike most marsupials, thylacines carried their young in a rear-facing way - meaning the joey's head could pop out from the back. They had relatively short legs but could move quickly over short distances when hunting. They were built for stamina rather than speed.

Habitat

Thylacines were once widespread across Australia and New Guinea, but by the time Europeans arrived in Tasmania, they had been extinct on the mainland for several thousand years. Their last stronghold was on the island of Tasmania, where they lived in a variety of habitats, including:

• Forests: Temperate and tropical forests

• Grasslands: Open grasslands and scrublands

• Wetlands: Coastal heath and wetland areas

Their preferred habitats were areas where they could hunt small to medium-sized prey, and they adapted to a wide range of environments. However, habitat destruction and human activity contributed significantly to their decline.

Diet

Thylacines were carnivorous and preyed on various animals, particularly smaller mammals and birds. Their diet was largely based on opportunistic hunting, and they were known to scavenge as well.

• Primary food: Wallabies, possums, small rodents, and birds

• Occasional food: Scavenged carcasses of larger animals, such as kangaroos

They were believed to hunt by stalking and ambushing their prey, similar to large felines, though they were less likely to engage in long pursuits due to their build.

Behavior and Social Structure

Thylacines were mostly solitary animals, though some evidence suggests they may have hunted in pairs or small family groups. They were nocturnal or crepuscular, being most active during the night and twilight hours, which helped them avoid human contact.

• Activity: Mostly nocturnal, with some activity at dawn and dusk

• Communication: They likely communicated with growls, whines, and possibly vocalizations like howls, although very little is known about their social communication

Their hunting style, like that of ambush predators, involved waiting for an opportunity to strike at close range rather than long-distance chases.

Reproduction

As a marsupial, the Thylacine raised its young in a pouch, similar to kangaroos and koalas. The mother gave birth to tiny, underdeveloped joeys, which crawled into her pouch to continue growing and developing.

• Litter size: 2 – 4 joeys

• Development: Young remained in the pouch for up to three months, and after emerging, they would stay close to the mother until they were ready to become independent

Unfortunately, the lack of direct observation during their final years means that many aspects of their reproductive behavior are speculative.

Extinction

The last known Thylacine died in captivity at the Hobart Zoo on September 7th, 1936 (which was only 59 days after it was granted a protected species status by the Tasmanian goverment). The Thylacine was allegedly named Benjamin. However, there are no official records of any name being given. 

This (probably female) individual was the last of her species, marking the end of a long decline that had been hastened by human activity. Several factors contributed to their extinction:

• Hunting and Bounty Programs: Early European settlers in Tasmania believed that Thylacines were responsible for attacks on livestock, leading to widespread hunting and a government bounty system that encouraged their extermination.

• Habitat Destruction: The clearing of forests for agriculture critically reduced their available habitat and food sources.

• Disease and Competition: Thylacines may have also faced competition from introduced species like dogs and dingoes, as well as diseases that affected their already shrinking population.

Despite thousands of reported sightings since their extinction, none have been confirmed, and they are officially classified as extinct. Though I personally keep the faith that they're still hiding out there in the vast forests of Tasmania. Even some professional wildlife biologists claim they've seen one.

Conservation Status

The Thylacine is classified as Extinct by the IUCN. The last confirmed wild sighting was believed to be in 1930, and despite occasional reports and searches, no credible evidence has emerged to suggest any surviving individuals.

Although they are no longer with us, the Thylacine’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of wildlife conservation. The loss of the Thylacine is often used as a case study in understanding the devastating impact humans can have on native species.

Did You Know?

• Misunderstood Predator: Thylacines were often blamed for livestock attacks, but many experts believe that their actual impact on farmers was exaggerated. Much of the livestock loss was more likely caused by feral dogs.

• Jaw Strength: Thylacines had an incredibly wide gape, being capable of opening their jaws as wide as 80 degrees. This unique feature was once thought to have been an adaptation for hunting, but recent studies suggest that the Thylacine did not have a particularly strong bite at all.

• Last Video: Footage of the last Thylacine, Benjamin, exists in black-and-white films, which have become iconic symbols of the species' tragic end.

Role in the Ecosystem

Before their extinction, Thylacines were apex predators in their ecosystem. They played a critical role in controlling the populations of smaller herbivores, which helped maintain the balance of their habitats. Their absence left a void in Tasmania's food chain, potentially altering the dynamics of prey species.

The Thylacine (Thylacinus cynocephalus) is a haunting reminder of the fragility of species in the face of human activity. While they are gone, the lessons learned from their extinction drive modern conservation efforts, urging us to protect other species from the same fate.