Remains of Tasmanian tiger found on Eyre
Peninsula
ABC ONLINE 05/02/2002
Scientists on Lower Eyre Peninsula in South Australia have uncovered the remains of a
Tasmanian tiger, the first ever found on Eyre Peninsula.
Two teeth from the now extinct animal, otherwise known as a thylacine, have been unearthed
by a dig in a sink hole near Coffin Bay.
At this stage scientists say it appears the animal was in the area around 3,000 to 5,000
years ago.
Also unearthed have been the remains of another extinct animal - the broadfaced poteroo,
as well as two species of bandicoot and the Tamar wallaby, both now extinct from Eyre
Peninsula.
Regional ecologist Nigel Cotsell says while Tasmanian tigers have been found on the
Nullarbor Plain, in the mid north and around Adelaide, it is a significant find for the
region.
"It's been a real surprise for us and we've only excavated only a small fraction of
this sink hole so who knows what awaits us further down the track," Mr Cotsell said.
END OF
REPORT
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