Tasmanian Tiger: The Tasmanian Tiger (Thylacinus cynocephalus) is one of the most legendary animal in the world. Yet despite its fame, it is one of the least understood of Tasmania's native animals. European settlers were puzzled by it, feared it and killed when they could. After only a century of whitesettlement the animal had been pushed to the brink of extinction. Full details of the disappearance of the Tasmanian Tiger is on our threatened species site.
The Tasmanian Tiger looked like a big dog long, with stripes, a heavy stiff tail and big head. Its scientific name, Thylacinus cynocephalus, means bagged dog with a wolf's head. Fully developed, it measures about 180 cm (6 ft) nose to tail tip, was about 58 cm (2 ft) tall at the shoulder and weighing 30 kg. The short, soft fur is brown with the exception of 13 to 20 dark brown-black bands extending from the base of the tail near the shoulder. The stiff tail became thicker towards the base and appeared to be confused with the body.
Tasmanian Tigers were generally silent, but when anxious or excited made a series of husky, coughing barks. When hunting, they gave a distinctive terrier-like, double yap, repeated every few seconds. Unfortunately, there are no records.
The Tasmanian Tiger was shy and secretive and always avoided contact with humans. Despite its common name, "tiger" that he had a quiet, nervous temperament compared to its cousin, the Tasmanian devil. captured animals usually abandoned without a fight, and many died suddenly, apparently in shock. When hunting, the Tasmanian Tiger relied on a sense of smell, and stamina. It was told to continue his prey relentlessly, until the prey was exhausted. The Tasmanian Tiger was rarely seen to go fast, but when it did, it became difficult. It trotted stiffly, and when pursued, broke into a kind of shuffling gallop.
