Overview
- The Nature Communications paper published Wednesday reports that detailed measurements and biomechanical analysis of thylacine skulls reveal a distinct skull shape and jaw mechanics suited to fast, high‑impact bites on small prey rather than the sustained grappling bite of wolves.
- Researchers found the thylacine combined a disproportionately large braincase with a long, delicate muzzle and jaw lever mechanics that have no clear match among living carnivorous mammals and that instead show functional similarity to some fish‑ and crocodile‑style rapid‑strike predators.
- The study challenges the long‑running colonial view that thylacines regularly attacked sheep or cattle and shows that those assumptions helped justify bounties and widespread hunting that contributed to the species’ extinction.
- The findings reshape conversations about active de‑extinction work and conservation governance by stressing ecological complexity and prompting the lead author to urge that Indigenous peoples hold custodial roles if revival efforts proceed; the study’s authors are not themselves part of current resurrection projects.
- Beyond the paper, a recently identified 19th‑century mounted head confirmed as thylacine may offer museum scientists limited genetic and anatomical data, and researchers say refining the species’ ecology matters because Australia has lost more native mammals than most countries and many marsupials remain threatened.