Research Bite - The Thylacine

The Thylacine, more commonly known as the Tasmanian Tiger, is known for its wolf/dog-like stature with 15-20 distinct dark stripes across its back to its tail. An estimated 5000 thylacines resided in Tasmania when European settlement began in the early 19th century. They became extinct from mainland Australia roughly 2000 years ago due to human persecution after being seen as a threat to the livestock of farmers. The last known of its species died in 1936 at the Hobart Zoo. Their memory lives on as a cultural icon to Australia.