Dickson's Thylacine

Scientific name: Nimbacinus dicksoni
Similar species:
Thylacinus cynocephalus
  • Updated
    17/08/20
  • Read time
    2 minutes
Australia's extinct animal, Dickson's Thylacine (Nimbacinus dicksoni) Click to enlarge image
Dickson's Thylacine (Nimbacinus dicksoni) - 2004 Lost Kingdom Project Image: A Musser
© A Musser

Fast Facts

  • IUCN Conservation Status
    EXTINCT (EX)
  • Classification
    Genus
    Nimbacinus
    Species
    dicksoni
  • Size Range
    Length (head and body): 50cm

Lived

23-16 million years ago, early Miocene

Description

Dickon's Thylacine was a predator that ate small and medium-sized mammals, reptiles and birds. Instead of being a fast runner, it may have tired out its prey in long chases.

Dickson's Thylacine is closely related to the Tasmanian Thylacine, which became extinct during the 20th century. Its closest living relatives are now dasyurid marsupials such as quolls and the Tasmanian Devil.

Fossils

Fossils of Dickson's Thylacine include an almost complete skull and skeleton as well as many individual teeth. They have been found at Riversleigh in north-western Queensland and at Bullock Creek in the Northern Territory.

Did you know?

The skeleton of Dickson's Thylacine is one of the most perfectly preserved animals from the Riversleigh World Heritage fossil property.