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What is the context of this research?

The thylacine, or Tasmanian tiger, is presumed extinct with the last known captive specimen dying in 1936. Since then hundreds of sighting reports have been submitted from Tasmania, mainland Australia and Irian Jaya. Expeditions have been conducted in search of the species by many researchers over decades. In some cases, (notably David Fleay, 1945-6) hair samples have been collected.

To date 2 key papers describe thylacine hair as part of broader research on Tasmanian mammals, (1950, 1985). They include illustrations and limited photographs.

Two key digital resources have been developed documenting the species - the International Thylacine Specimen Database and the online Thylacine Museum. This project will add comprehensive modern-day high quality micrographs to our body of knowledge.



What is the significance of this project?

The thylacine has likely had more sighting reports than any other species listed as extinct, numbering into the thousands. Expeditions in search of the species have been carried out from the 1930s to the present day. Definitive high resolution imagery to complement the published papers will provide an invaluable tool to those attempting to identify prospective thylacine hair samples.

Regardless of conservation status, high resolution imagery of thylacine hair will be a valuable addition to other comprehensive research efforts on the species. With specimen materials being increasingly valuable due to extinction status, and frail due to passage of time, high resolution imagery will preserve and make accessible a level of detail not seen before in hair analyses for the species.



What are the goals of the project?

The key goal of this project is to deliver high resolution digital imagery of thylacine hair using light microscopy to produce photomicrographs.

The imagery will be sufficient for diagnostic analysis per earlier published text and illustrative descriptions. All aspects of hair morphology will be considered during the imaging process.

The project will begin immediately on successfully securing funding. Equipment will be ordered and configured and slide mounts will be prepared. Thylacine specimen hair has already been obtained and an existing high resolution full-frame camera will be used (already purchased, not part of this funding appeal).

