thebrainscoop: Thylacine – Smithsonian National Museum of…
Thylacine – Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
I’m in Washington, D.C., spending time with my sister after speaking at a conference in Baltimore this weekend. At the last minute I asked if we could go to the NMNH – every time I visit D.C. I vow to see another museum but in the end it’s truly my favorite and deserves a stop every time. Kris Helgen – zoologist, Curator of Mammals, discoverer of the Olingito – pinged me when he saw I was there and asked if I’d be interested in going behind-the-scenes – duh YES.
So, that’s how I ended up meeting a Thylacine yesterday, formerly the top predator in Australia, Tasmania, and New Guinea. Known for their unique gait, ability to open their mouths more than 120 degrees, and the fact that they were the largest carnivorous marsupial to exist during modern times, the Thylacine became extinct after habitat loss and overhunting in the early-mid 20th century.
These particular individuals (the large one, female, mother of the smaller pup) came from the National Zoo around 1910 as they attempted to launch breeding programs in order to sustain populations. Additionally, disease in their native habitats contributed to the thylacine’s untimely extinction before the animals could be effectively bred in captivity. Rumors exist today that these fantastic creatures may still be roaming in parts of Australia, but as of now, there has been no solid confirmation of such claims.
Big thanks to Kris Helgen for taking the time to show me around! Stay tuned for more photos from our adventures at the NMNH soon.
The thylacine chapter forms a memorable part of The Song of the Dodo.
Reposted from http://ift.tt/1mIz6Z0.
Tags: david quammen, song of the dodo, favorite book ever, favorite favorite.
