Thylacine: The History, Ecology and Loss of the Tasmanian Tiger

Until the mid-20th century, the thylacine was the world’s largest carnivorous marsupial, and its disappearance has left many questions and contradictions.

Alternately portrayed as a scourge and as a high value commodity, the thylacine’s ecology and behavior were known only anecdotally. In recent years, its taxonomic position, ecology, behavior and body size have all been re-examined scientifically, while advances in genetics have presented the potential for de-extinction.

With 78 contributors, Thylacine: The History, Ecology and Loss of the Tasmanian Tiger presents an evidence-based profile of the thylacine, examining its ecology, evolution, encounters with humans, persecution, assumed extinction and its appearance in fiction. The final chapters explore the future for this iconic species – a symbol of extinction but also hope.

Features:
Includes a diverse range of author contributions. Covers the thylacine from evolution to extinction to fiction. Presents the best evidence to date for the species’ post-1936 survival. The authors are generously allocating all their royalties from the sale of this book to support research into Devil Facial Tumor Disease, a devastating and contagious disease now threatening the wild population of Tasmanian devil – the world’s current largest marsupial carnivore.