Thylacine -Tasmanian Tiger

Thylacine or the Tasmanian tiger is not exactly like any regal tigers you have seen so far; in fact this tiger is a far cry from the normal tigers! Although now they are considered to be extinct, their existence is still in question due to many reported sightings by explorers. The Thylacine looks less of a tiger and more of a wolf and has few characteristics of a dog as well. This animal was seen in large numbers in the early days but soon their numbers declined due to hunting. The Thylacine sure seems to be one animal that is surrounded by mystery! Here, we shall have an insight into details connected with the Tasmanian tiger.

Description of the Thylacine – Tasmanian Tiger
The Thylacine was a marsupial – these are mammals that are distinguished from other animals due to the presence of a pouch, which is used to carry their young ones. In case of the Thylacine, males as well as females both had a pouch. This was mainly because for the male Tasmanian tiger, the pouch proved to be a form of protection to protect the external organs.

Early depictions of the Tasmanian tiger reveal a strong resemblance to dogs. This Tasmanian tiger looked like a shorthaired dog, which had a big head. It had been referred to as a tiger only because of the presence of stripes on the body. Tasmanian tigers had a yellowish brown colored coat for their body. A rather strange characteristic feature of the Tasmanian tiger was the ability to open its jaw wide to an angle of 120 degrees! It has also been reported this tiger did not really have the ability to run at a high speed. Studies revealed the Tasmanian tiger even hopped at times on the similar lines of a kangaroo!

On an average, the Thylacine was reported to be around 100 – 180 cms in length (from the nose to the tip of the tail) and stood at a height of 60 cms (at the shoulder area). They could weigh up to 30 kgs. The tail of the Tasmanian tiger was stiff and was thicker towards the base. The stripes of the Thylacine were around 15 – 20 in number, which went all across from the shoulder to the base of the tail.

Breeding and Behavior of the Thylacine – Tasmanian Tiger
Breeding period of the Thylacine took place during the winter and spring seasons. Young ones spent their time in the mother’s pouch. When these young ones left the mother’s pouch, they spent time in caves till they reached an age to hunt for themselves.

The Tasmanian tiger was known to be a nocturnal animal by nature. The days were spent in caves and the nights were spent hunting in the forests. The Tasmanian tiger used its strong sense of smell to capture prey in the dark. This animal is also known to be shy in nature. Experts have revealed the Tasmanian tiger preferred to pursue its prey by trotting behind rather than the powerful bursts of speed displayed by tigers.

Habitat of the Thylacine – Tasmanian Tiger
The Tasmanian tiger was native to the Australia and areas of New Guinea. This tiger was known to inhabit wetlands and the grassland areas. It also preferred eucalyptus forests. In areas of Tasmania, the Thylacine preferred to inhabit woodland areas. This was also indicated with the discovery of rock paintings that suggest the Tasmanian tiger lived in that particular area and was also seen approximately 2000 years back!

Mystery surrounding the Thylacine – Tasmanian Tiger
The Tasmanian tiger was reported to be extinct after the 1930s. There were many factors that led to the rapid decline of these animals. The loss of habitat, being hunted by humans and wild dogs led to their extinction. However, a great number of people in Tasmania have reported seeing the Tasmanian tiger in the wild. Although certain unclear photographs were provided, the authenticity of these photographs is still a matter of great debate!