Correct spelling for the English word "Thylacinus Cynocephalus" is [θˈa͡ɪlɐsˌɪnəs sˈa͡ɪnə͡ʊsfˌaləs], [θˈaɪlɐsˌɪnəs sˈaɪnəʊsfˌaləs], [θ_ˈaɪ_l_ɐ_s_ˌɪ_n_ə_s s_ˈaɪ_n_əʊ_s_f_ˌa_l_ə_s] (IPA phonetic alphabet).
Thylacinus Cynocephalus, commonly known as the Tasmanian tiger or thylacine, is a carnivorous marsupial native to the island of Tasmania, Australia. It is a large, dog-like mammal with unique features that distinguish it from other animals.
The Thylacinus Cynocephalus has a compact and elongated body, growing to about 100 to 130 cm in length, with a short, stiff tail. Its most distinctive characteristic is its sandy-colored fur, marked with prominent dark stripes across its back and tail, resembling the stripes of a tiger, hence its common name.
Typically, the Thylacinus Cynocephalus has a stiff frameless pouch, contrary to most marsupials. It carries its young, known as joeys, in this pouch. Although they are partially arboreal, they are primarily terrestrial predators, feeding on small to medium-sized mammals, birds, and reptiles. They also possess a unique jaw structure, allowing them to open their mouths exceptionally wide for effective biting and consumption of prey.
Once widespread in Tasmania, the mainland Australia, and New Guinea, the Thylacinus Cynocephalus has faced a significant decline in recent years due to human activity, habitat alteration, and hunting. The Thylacinus Cynocephalus is now considered critically endangered or possibly extinct, with the last known individual dying in captivity in 1936.
Efforts are being made to search for potential surviving populations of this remarkable animal, and conservation programs focus on habitat preservation and protection. The Thylacinus Cynocephalus holds great cultural and historical significance for Tasmania and is often referred to as an iconic symbol of the region.
The word "Thylacinus cynocephalus" is the scientific name for the animal commonly known as the Tasmanian tiger or thylacine.
The name "Thylacinus" is derived from the Greek words "thýlas" meaning "pouch" and "kýon" meaning "dog", referring to the pouch-like abdominal structure and its dog-like appearance.
The term "cynocephalus" is also rooted in Greek, with "kunos" meaning "dog" and "kephalē" meaning "head", indicating the visual similarity of the marsupial's head to that of a dog.