The thylacine, or Tasmanian Tiger, was a marsupial which preyed on smaller animals and birds. It died out on the Australian mainland about 3500 years ago, largely as a result of human activity and the introduction of the dingo. It survived in Tasmania, where it was an apex predator. It died out after European settlement as a result of loss of habitat and bounty hunting. The last known thylacine died in captivity on 7 September 1936 at Hobart Zoo, and it was officially declared extinct in 1982. Since then there have been many searches and unconfirmed sightings. Currently there is scientific interest in using genetic technology to recreate the species from preserved specimens. The thylacine features on the Tasmanian Coat of Arms, and official government logos.

Image from an original painting by Arlo Mercia using watercolour and Kobaien ink on xuan paper.