The Thylacine

The Thylacine: The Tragic Fate of a Unique Predator

In the untouched expanses of Tasmania and Australia once roamed a mysterious creature often referred to today as the "Tasmanian Tiger": the thylacine. With its striped back, dog-like body, and a massive jaw capable of opening almost 120 degrees, this animal was unique and a mystery to science. Today, the thylacine stands as a collective symbol of the devastating impact human activities have on nature – a tragic emblem of species extinction.

This specimen can be admired at the Natural History Museum in Zurich.

An Unusual Predator

Though its nickname, "Tasmanian Tiger," compares it to a large feline predator, the thylacine was a marsupial – akin to the kangaroo or koala, but with sharp teeth and a taste for meat. The stripes on its back, which earned it this distinctive name, gave it a look that was both menacing and fascinating. Standing about 60 centimeters tall at the shoulder and weighing up to 30 kilograms, the thylacine was a medium-sized predator, primarily active at night. Its main prey included kangaroos, wombats, and other small to medium-sized mammals, which it hunted in long, fluid leaps.

What truly set it apart, however, was its jaw. The thylacine could open its mouth to an almost unnatural degree, a sight that sent shivers down the spines of early explorers and naturalists. This ability was likely an adaptation to its hunting strategy, allowing it to grip and kill its prey efficiently. Yet, this impressive predator also had a surprising side: like other marsupials, females carried their young in a pouch until they were strong enough to survive on their own.

The Struggle for Survival

When European settlers arrived in Tasmania and Australia in the 19th century, they brought new animals and cultures – and with them, a wave of changes. Sheep farming flourished, and soon the thylacine became the target of farmers. It was accused of preying on sheep, though many of these claims remained unproven. But that was enough to spark a campaign against the thylacine. Bounty programs were introduced, and hunters set out to eradicate the predators. Between 1888 and 1909, the Tasmanian government paid rewards for each thylacine killed – a decision that sealed the species' fate.

Additional threats emerged: diseases, introduced animals like dogs that competed directly with the thylacine, and the destruction of its natural habitat through agriculture. By the early 20th century, the thylacine population had declined dramatically and had already become rare.

The End – Or Is It?

The last officially captured thylacine was placed in the Beaumaris Zoo in Hobart, Tasmania, in 1933. It was named "Benjamin," and its life ended tragically in 1936 – just months after the species was officially protected. With its death, a piece of wilderness vanished, and the thylacine became a symbol of humanity's ruthless extermination of species.

But the thylacine's story does not end there. Since Benjamin's death, there have been countless reports of sightings. Mysterious footage and blurry photos occasionally surface, and locals swear they have seen the stripes of the thylacine in Tasmania's forests. These rumors continue to fuel the belief that the thylacine might still survive – hidden in Tasmania's remote wilderness, far from human eyes.

Additionally, science has brought new hope in recent years. Advances in genetics have opened the door to the possibility of "revitalizing" extinct species. Through cloning and genetic modification of a closely related marsupial, such as the numbat, we might one day bring the thylacine back to life – at least in a form that closely resembles it. While this vision of "de-extinction" sparks heated debates among scientists, it remains a controversial topic.

The Legacy of the Thylacine

Today, the thylacine stands as a memorial to humanity's unchecked interference with nature. Its extinction was not only a loss for biodiversity but also a wake-up call, reminding us of our responsibility to preserve the environment. The story of this animal reminds us that the world as we know it is fragile and that the decisions we make can have far-reaching consequences.

Whether the thylacine will one day return to the wild or remain forever confined to the pages of history remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: the fascination and mystery surrounding the thylacine will continue to captivate us – and perhaps inspire a future where we rediscover and protect the lost treasures of nature.