- Australian scientists have unlocked more secrets about the Tasmanian Tiger
- Scientists found an infant tiger specimen preserved for over 100 years
- Discovery is the next step in bringing it back from extinction, experts say
Australian scientists have unlocked more secrets about the mysterious Tasmanian Tiger in DNA hidden for over 100 years.
In a tiny jar locked away in Melbourne Museum scientists found an infant tiger specimen that had been preserved by chance after it was dropped it in ethanol 108 years ago.
This has excited experts who say the discovery is the next step in bringing the iconic animal back from extinction.
Australian scientists have unlocked more secrets about the mysterious Tasmanian Tiger in DNA hidden for over 100 years
The discovery has excited experts who say the discovery is the next step in bringing the iconic animal back from extinction
‘As this genome is one of the most complete for an extinct species, it is technically the first step in bringing the thylacine back,’ University of Melbourne Associate Professor Andrew Pask told The Daily Telegraph.
Associate Professor Pask, who led the study, said cloning the DNA was at least 10 years away, as genome work is complicated.
The DNA also revealed the Tasmania Tiger was a completely unique creature, unlike any other animal dead or alive.
The closest relatives in terms of physical appearance are foxes or wolves.
But its closest genetic relatives are wallabies, the study found.
The Tasmanian Tiger officially became extinct in 1986, despite the death of the last known thylacine in Hobart Zoo in 1936.
In July a man in South Australia recorded a footage of an animal resembling the Tassie Tiger
The Tasmanian Tiger officially became extinct in 1986, despite the death of the last known thylacine in Hobart Zoo in 1936