The Tasmanian Tiger, also known as the Thylacine, has been considered extinct since 1936. However, recent alleged sightings of the animal have prompted researchers to intensively search for the once-largest carnivorous marsupial of the Australian continent. The Tasmanian Tiger was placed under protection in 1936, but unfortunately, it was too late as the last known animal of its kind died just two months later in a small zoo in the Tasmanian city of Hobart. The island served as the last known refuge for the Tasmanian Tigers. Despite this, there have been witnesses who claim to have seen the animal, including an Australian tour guide who claims to have seen four of them. These sightings have given biologist Bill Laurance of James Cook University in Queensland reason to search for the extinct animal.
The increased sightings of the Tasmanian Tiger and the decline of the mountain and brush kangaroo populations are believed to be related, according to Laurance. He plans to use 50 camera traps to intensively search for the animal. Whether Laurance will be successful in proving the existence of the Tasmanian Tiger remains to be seen. If he does, it would be a sensation, and the Australian government would have to act quickly to protect the animal.
The Tasmanian Tiger was a unique animal that was once widespread throughout Australia. It was a marsupial that resembled a dog and had distinctive stripes on its back. The animal was hunted to extinction due to its perceived threat to livestock. However, the recent sightings of the animal have given hope to researchers that the Tasmanian Tiger may still exist. The search for the animal is ongoing, and it remains to be seen whether the Tasmanian Tiger will be found and protected.
