New Analysis of “Tasmanian Tiger” Skulls Overturns Assumptions About What Led to the Species’ Extinction

• The study found that the thylacine, or Tasmanian tiger, did not hunt large animals like sheep, challenging the assumption that they were powerful predators. Researchers from Flinders University and the University of Melbourne analyzed the skull of the extinct species and concluded that its long, deep jaw was not suited for holding down large prey. Instead, it was better adapted for delivering a powerful snap to smaller animals.
• The research suggests that the thylacine's skull, despite being large, was not shaped like a big predator. Its snout was long and slender, similar to that of a fox or jackal, and its jaw structure was optimized for capturing agile prey like bandicoots. The study challenges the myth that thylacines were ferocious hunters of livestock.
• The findings imply that European settlers' misconceptions about the thylacine's hunting behavior contributed to its extinction. The researchers highlight that the thylacine was more similar to kangaroos than to canines, and its skull morphology is unique among carnivores. The study also underscores the importance of understanding indigenous knowledge and the impact of human actions on wildlife.

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