Scientists have discovered three new species of ancient Tasmanian tiger ancestors in Australia, dating back 25-23 million years ago. These findings suggest that marsupial predators were more widespread in ancient Australia than previously thought.
The newfound species are related to the Tasmanian tiger (Thylacinus cynocephalus), which was once found across the Australian mainland, Tasmania, and New Guinea. The thylacine went extinct last century due to human hunting and habitat loss.
One of the new species, Badjcinus timfaulkneri, was a raccoon-sized animal that used its extremely thick jawbone to crush and eat bones and teeth of its prey. Another species, Ngamalacinus nigelmarveni, was about the size of a red fox and had long blades on its lower molars that allowed it to pierce and shred meat.
The smallest species, Nimbacinus peterbridgei, is likely the closest direct relative of the modern thylacine. This forest generalist would have hunted small prey like lizards and birds.
The discovery of these ancient Tasmanian tiger ancestors is redefining scientists’ understanding of the predators that dominated the Australian landscape during the late Oligocene era. The findings suggest that there were multiple ecological niches for carnivores to exploit, leading to their diversification.
All three species were named after Australian scientists and conservationists.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/animals/extinct-species/fossils-of-bone-crushing-and-meat-slashing-tasmanian-tiger-ancestors-discovered-in-australia