Tasmanian Tiger Information

Human encroachment in the wild has been one of the main trigger factors for the extinction of a range of animal species. One such animal, which succumbed to the wrath of the mankind, was the thylacine - popularly known as the Tasmanian tiger or the Tasmanian wolf. Though these names may make you believe that this animal belonged to either of the two species, it was actually a totally different species, with no relation, whatsoever, to the tigers or wolves. In fact, the Tasmanian tiger was a mammal belonging to the marsupial family - a group of mammals typically characterized by the presence of a pouch meant to carry their young ones.

Tasmanian Tiger

Even though the species existed on the planet till the first half of the 20th century, most of the individuals existed in captivity. Sightings of the Tasmanian tiger in its natural habitat had become a rare phenomenon long before the beginning of the 20th century. Owing to this, most of the information that we have, especially about the aspects like their habitat, diet, etc., can be attributed to the fossil records and aboriginal art. For instance, fossil records suggest that the geographical range of this species spanned across the Australian mainland, as well as some parts of New Guinea, approximately 2000 years ago.

Appearance: The Tasmanian tiger looked like a typical canid, featuring a light brown fur coat typically characterized by black stripes running down its body. In fact, the appearance of the thylacine plays a crucial role in it being names Tasmanian tiger (owing to its stripes) and Tasmanian wolf (owing to its canid like structure). A full-grown individual would measure 5-6 feet in length, and weigh anywhere between 60-70 lb. Interestingly enough, the skull of this species was quite large as compared to its body. Scientists believe that this was an adaptation which played a crucial role in its hunting habits.

Diet: The Tasmanian tiger was the largest marsupial to inhabit the planet. Being the largest carnivorous mammal in its natural habitat, it was the apex predator of this region. Its diet consisted on a range of grazing animals which inhabited this region. Their diet consisted of animal species such as the wallabies, kangaroos and other small mammals. Its dietary habits played a crucial role in determining the habitat of this animal.

Habitat: Initially, the Tasmanian tiger inhabited open grasslands, wherein grazing animals were found in abundance. Other than these open grasslands, this species also inhabited the wetlands and the dense forests of eucalyptus trees. Theories suggest that human encroachment in its habitat drove this species into the dense forests, wherein they could easily take shelter. The Tasmanian tiger was also found in rocky regions where rock outcroppings made an ideal place of shelter for this creature.

Once found across the entire Australian mainland, the Tasmanian tiger population was restricted to the small island of Tasmania by the beginning of the 20th century. Other than the human intervention, competing with the dingoes, which were known to hunt in groups, took a toll on the population of this thylacine species. The last individual of this species died on 7th September, 1936, at the Hobart Zoo in Tasmania, Australia, thus resulting in an addition to the list of extinct animals, and subtraction of yet another amazing creature from the order of animals species inhabiting this planet.