Author(s): Gareth Linnard

Natural History

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.