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

Thylacine: The History, Ecology and Loss of the Tasmanian Tiger is a comprehensive exploration of this unique animal. 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 both a scourge and high value commodity, the thylacine’s ecology and behaviour were known only anecdotally. In recent years, its taxonomic position, ecology, behaviour and body size have all been re-examined scientifically, while advances in genetics have presented the potential for de-extinction. With 78 contributors, this exciting work presents an accurate, 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. KEY INFO: Covers the thylacine from evolution to extinction to fiction and 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 Tumour Disease, a devastating and contagious disease now threatening the wild population of Tasmanian devil – the world’s current largest marsupial carnivore.