Back to the animal collection
Thylacine
Reference image · may depict a reconstruction or specimen

E.J. Keller · Original image & credits · Public domain

Image is cropped for display. View uncropped original

EXTINCT LIFE

Thylacine

Meet thylacine—one more extraordinary life to discover.

Also known as tasmanian tiger

Discover the expedition atlas
A CLOSER LOOK

A reference overview

The thylacine ( THY-luh-seen; Thylacinus cynocephalus), also commonly known as the Tasmanian tiger, Tasmanian wolf or marsupial wolf, is an extinct species of carnivorous marsupial formerly native to the Australian mainland, Tasmania and New Guinea. It became extinct on mainland Australia and New Guinea approximately 3,600–3,200 years ago, possibly following the arrival of the dingo, which was introduced to Australia around the same period but never reached Tasmania. Prior to European settlement, the species remained widespread in Tasmania, where its population was estimated to number several thousand individuals.

Overview excerpt from Wikipedia contributors · Thylacine, under CC BY-SA 4.0. Excerpt may be shortened. Overview retrieved 2026-10-09.

KNOW WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING AT

The evidence behind this discovery

Source-linked

This overview is attributed to Wikipedia contributors and was retrieved on 2026-10-09. Retrieval is not independent scientific review.

Reference media

The picture has a linked creator and license. Extinct-animal images may show a fossil, specimen or reconstruction; a reconstruction is not a photograph of the living animal.

Scope and uncertainty

Map points represent selected regions, not complete ranges or live sightings. References and identifications can change. A linked source is not an expert certification.

Read our evidence and editorial approach →
LET ONE QUESTION OPEN ANOTHER

Where will this discovery take you?

Follow a discovery guide ↗
Saved on this browser.
Return to your collection