Thylacinus


Thylacinus is a genus of extinct carnivorous marsupials from the order Dasyuromorphia. The only recent member was the thylacine (Thylacinus cynocephalus), commonly also known as the Tasmanian tiger or Tasmanian wolf. The last known Tasmanian tiger was in the Beaumaris Zoo in Tasmania, eventually passing away in 1936. Alleged sightings of the tiger were reported after its extinction, however, no photographs or physical proof have been found to support the claims. In the first half of the 20th century, an already dwindling thylacine population was exposed to a combination of excessive hunting by humans, as well as likely competition with introduced dogs. Other prehistoric species are known from this genus. An unidentified species is known from Pleistocene New Guinea. Thylacines emerged around four million years ago and were known to inhabit Australia before they disappeared, most likely due to competition with dingos. Their last known stronghold was in Tasmania before they became extinct due to European hunting.