Unravelling the Enigma of the Tasmanian Tiger: Tracing the Legacy of a Fabled Predator
Received: 03-Nov-2023 / Manuscript No. jee-23-119942 / Editor assigned: 06-Nov-2023 / PreQC No. jee-23-119942 (PQ) / Reviewed: 20-Nov-2023 / QC No. jee-23-119942 / Revised: 22-Nov-2023 / Manuscript No. jee-23-119942 (R) / Published Date: 29-Nov-2023
Abstract
The Tasmanian tiger, scientifically known as Thylacinus cynocephalus, remains one of the most enigmatic and intriguing creatures in the annals of natural history. This carnivorous marsupial, characterized by its striped back, was once a prominent inhabitant of the Australian continent, primarily confined to the island of Tasmania. With a distinctive appearance akin to a large dog, this unique predator's story is shrouded in mystery, fascination, and the lament of its extinction.
Keywords
Tasmanian tiger; Predator; Extinction
Introduction
The Tasmanian tiger possessed a set of striking features that set it apart from other known species. Its most recognizable attribute was its sandy to yellow-brown fur, marked by transverse dark stripes across its back, giving it a resemblance to a tiger, hence its name. Notably, its abdominal pouch bore semblance to that of kangaroos and other marsupials, a feature unique among carnivorous mammals [1-3].
Methodology
Habitat and behaviour
Historically, the Tasmanian tiger roamed across various habitats, from grasslands to forests. Its diet primarily consisted of small to medium-sized animals, displaying a predatory prowess and a cunning hunting strategy. Yet, while it had the look of a formidable predator, reports from the time suggest it was a shy and reclusive creature, seldom seen by humans [4,5].
Extinction and controversies
The demise of the Tasmanian tiger remains a subject of contention and sorrow. Officially declared extinct in the 20th century, the last known Tasmanian tiger, named Benjamin, resided in captivity at the Hobart Zoo in Tasmania until its death in 1936. Despite this accepted timeline of extinction, various claimed sightings and anecdotal evidence have perpetuated the notion that the species may still persist in remote areas [6,7].
The extinction of the Tasmanian tiger is largely attributed to a combination of factors, including habitat loss, human encroachment, and a government-backed bounty scheme aimed at protecting sheep farming interests. The predator became a target due to its perceived threat to livestock, leading to a significant decline in its population [8].
Legacy and speculation
The legend of the Tasmanian tiger lives on, fuelling numerous expeditions and scientific inquiries aimed at uncovering any surviving populations or evidence of its continued existence. Cryptozoologists, naturalists, and enthusiasts continue to scour remote regions in hopes of uncovering traces of this fabled creature, sparking debates and intrigue in the scientific community and the public alike.
Preserved specimens of the Tasmanian tiger, from taxidermies individuals to preserved genetic material, serve as critical resources for ongoing research and potential cloning initiatives. The prospect of resurrecting the species through advanced genetic technologies remains a subject of both excitement and ethical debate [9,10].
Conclusion
The Tasmanian tiger stands as a testament to the fragility of the natural world in the face of human progress and intervention. Its tale is one of fascination, lament, and ongoing exploration, as humanity grapples with the consequences of its past actions. Whether through sightings in the wild or endeavours to revive the species, the mystique of the Tasmanian tiger endures, perpetuating its legacy as a captivating and mysterious figure in the animal kingdom.
References
- Baho DL, Bundschuh M, Futter MN (2021) Microplastics in terrestrial ecosystems: Moving beyond the state of the art to minimize the risk of ecological surprise. Global Change Biology 27: 3969-3986.
- Bank MS, Hansson SV (2019) The plastic cycle: A novel and holistic paradigm for the Anthropocene. Environmental Science & Technology 53: 7177-7179.
- Blettler MCM, Abrial E, Khan FR, Sivri N, Espinola LA (2018) Freshwater plastic pollution: Recognizing research biases and identifying knowledge gaps. Water Research 143: 416-424.
- Brahney J, Mahowald N, Prank M, Cornwell G, Klimont Z, et al. (2021) Constraining the atmospheric limb of the plastic cycle. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 118.
- Büks F, Loes van Schaik N, Kaupenjohann M (2020) What do we know about how the terrestrial multicellular soil fauna reacts to microplastic. The Soil 6: 245-267.
- Van Cauwenberghe L, Vanreusel A, Mees J, Janssen CR (2013) Microplastic pollution in deep-sea sediments. Environ Poll 182: 495-499.
- Obbard RW, Sadri S, Wong YQ, Khitun AA, Baker I (2014) Global warming releases microplastic legacy frozen in Arctic Sea ice. Earth's Future 2:315-320.
- Di Giulio DB, Eckburg PB (2004) Human monkeypox: an emerging zoonosis. Lancet Infect Dis 4: 15-25.
- Ježek Z, Szczeniowski M, Paluku KM, Moomba M (2000) Human monkeypox: clinical features of 282 patients. J Infect Dis 156: 293-298.
- Law KL (2017) Plastics in the marine environment. Annu Rev MarSci 9: 205-229.
Indexed at , Google Scholar , Crossref
Indexed at , Google Scholar, Crossref
Indexed at , Google Scholar, Crossref
Indexed at , Google Scholar, Crossref
Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref
Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref
Citation: Saltzman A (2023) Unravelling the Enigma of the Tasmanian Tiger:Tracing the Legacy of a Fabled Predator. J Ecosys Ecograph, 13: 455.
Copyright: © 2023 Saltzman A. This is an open-access article distributed underthe terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricteduse, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author andsource are credited.
Share This Article
Recommended Journals
Open Access Journals
Article Usage
- Total views: 242
- [From(publication date): 0-2023 - Aug 17, 2024]
- Breakdown by view type
- HTML page views: 197
- PDF downloads: 45