Thylacinus cynocephalus
Tasmanian wolf
(Also: thylacine)

The Tasmanian Wolf was found only on the southwestern side of the island of Tasmania in recent history. The fossil record shows that it was found in New Guinea and Australia as recently as 3,000 years ago. This single member of this genus is thought to be extinct.

The Tasmanian Wolf preferred open forests and grasslands, but by the end of its existence it was confined to dense rainforests by human pressures. Tasmanian wolf lairs were located mainly in hollow logs or rock outcroppings located in hilly areas that were adjacent to open areas, such as grasslands.

Overall appearance is very canid-like. Total body length is around 1000-2000mm. The tail length is around 500-650mm. The tail itself is very thick close to the body and quickly tapers to a point. It is around 600mm in height at the shoulder. The upper body is brownish/gray with a pale underside. There are 13-19 black vertical stripes that run from the midback to the base of the tail. The face is gray with white markings around the eyes. The fur is short and thick. Dental formula= i 4/3, c 1/1, pm 3/3, m 4/4. Tasmanian wolves have long canines, shearing premolars, and grinding molars, all of which are quite similar to those of dogs. The feet are padded and leave a five-toed print. The females pouch is located by her tail and has a fold of skin covering the four mammae.

The Tasmanian Wolf was a nocturnal species but was often observed basking in the sun. It hunted alone or in small groups. There is a controversy over the wolf's hunting technique. Some think that the wolf was an ambush hunter that relied on stealth while others think the wolf would tirelessly chase its prey until the target was exhausted, when it would rush in for the kill. The wolf had many different calls, including a rough bark while hunting, a deep growl when irritated, and a whine.

The food habits of the Tasmanian Wolf are not well known. Its diet is thought to have consisted of wallabies, small birds, kangaroos, and other small mammals.

The Tasmanian Wolf was thought to be a livestock killer. This was never substantiated, but because of this misconception the wolf was hunted (by the private sector and the government) from 1840-1909 for bounty.

No documented examples.

The Tasmanian Wolf is thought to be extinct. The last know living specimen died in a Hobart, Tasmania zoo in 1936. Since then there have been many unsuccessful searches of the remaining area where the Tasmanian Wolf could have survived undetected by humans. A 647,000 ha. reserve was set up in 1966 in Southwestern Tasmania in the hopes that possible surviving wolves would have adequate habitat. There have been many hundreds of uncomfirmed sightings of Tasmanian wolves, also known as Tasmanian tigers, in Tasmania as well as on mainland Australia and New Guinea. However, no credible photographs, hair samples, or tracks have ever been recovered and most sightings turn out to be mis-identifications.

The main factors leading to the demise of this species were overhunting, habitat destruction, disease, and competition with domesticated dogs.

(Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Water, and Environment, 2002)

The Tasmanian wolf, the largest of the recent Australian meat-eating marsupials, is a stunning example of convergent evolution with its similarities to the canid group. These similarities can be seen in the general morphology, appearance, and behavior.