THYLACINE (TASMANIAN TIGER/WOLF)

The Thylacine was neither a tiger nor a wolf, which is why thylacine may be the most appropriate name for this carnivorous marsupial. 

 The Thylacine was the top predator in Australia and Tasmania until the introduction of the dingo, a species of wild dog.  By the time the British arrived in Australia, the thylacine was limited to Tasmania.

 The Thylacine was up to 51 long plus a 21 inch tail and could weigh up to 70 lbs.  The thylacine's pouch opened facing backwards.  The thylacine could open its jaws an amazing 120 degrees.  They were unable to run at high speeds but hopped like a kangaroo at times.

 With more sheep farmers moving into Tasmania, the thylacines were seen as a threat.  Between 1888 and 1909 the Tasmanian government paid a bounty of 1 pound (approximately $133) per adult killed and 10 shillings for each pup.  

 Benjamin, the last Thylacine died at the Hobart Zoo from poor health and neglect September 7, 1936.  There is debate about whether Benjamin was a male or female.  The Tasmanian government officially passed a law protecting the Thylacine 59 days after Benjamin died.

 Since 1936, there have been several reported sightings of thylacines in Tasmania, but non have been conclusive.  

 Additional Resources: 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Thylacine_footage_compilation.ogv (video footage of a live thylacine from the 1930's)

 http://wildkratts.wikia.com/wiki/Back_in_Creature_Time_Tasmanian_Tiger 
(Wild Kratts episode of the Thylacine)


Photo of real Benjamin
Photo from DC Zoo circa 1906
Thylacines on Tasmania Coat of Arms
Wild Kratts episode Back in Creature Time: Tasmania Tiger
Ty the Tasmanian Tiger - video game
My daily sketch - colored version



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