: The History and Extinction of the Thylacine Robert Paddle Cambridge University Press , Sep 4, 2002 - History - 284 pages 1 Review This book is the most complete and up-to-date examination of the history and extinction of one of Australia's most enduring folkloric beasts - the thylacine, otherwise affectionately known as the Tasmanian tiger. Paddle challenges conventional theories explaining the behaviour and eventual extinction of the thylacine, arguing that political farming powers used the Tasmanian tiger as a scapegoat to protect local agricultural and financial interests. After the natural population of thylacines was decimated through a bounty scheme, ignorant and sometimes maliciously negligent captive breeding programs finally resulted in the extinction of a once proud species. Paddle also uncovers a deeper intellectual snobbery that set the scene for the thylacine's eventual extinction. The Last Tasmanian Tiger offers new perspectives on the subjective nature of scientific investigation and the politics of preservation. Preview this book »