“IN SEARCH OF THE THYLACINE”
Tasmanian Expedition Described
Describing an expedition made late in 1938 to the country between the Gordon River and the Frenchman’s Cap, a booklet by M. S. R. Sharland, of Sydney, entitled “In Search of the Thylacine,” contains much interesting information about the fast-disappearing marsupial wolf, or, as it is more commonly known, the Tasmanian “tiger.” Mr. Sharland explains that the thylacine exists today as but a remnant of the numbers which, 50 or 60 years ago, roamed the countryside, feeding on marsupials and sheep. Today it is seen only by the few trappers and prospectors who venture into the remote parts of Tasmania. Mr. Sharland is an expert on Tasmanian fauna, and his opinions and recommendations must be seriously considered. On this expedition he represented the Royal Zoological Society, and his principal object was to determine to what extent the country was inhabited by the thylacine and to examine the area generally to decide whether it was suitable for a faunal sanctuary. Mr. Sharland stresses the fact that the thylacine is no longer a menace to sheep owners, since it is now isolated in remote parts of the State, and that the animal possesses a unique scientific value. Sanctuaries are needed for its protection in areas where it is likely to be affected adversely by encroaching settlement. He suggests that the area comprising the Raglan and Collingwood ranges and the north-western slopes of the Frenchman’s Cap might be set aside as a sanctuary.
Tasmanian Expedition Described
Describing an expedition made late in 1938 to the country between the Gordon River and the Frenchman’s Cap, a booklet by M. S. R. Sharland, of Sydney, entitled “In Search of the Thylacine,” contains much interesting information about the fast-disappearing marsupial wolf, or, as it is more commonly known, the Tasmanian “tiger.” Mr. Sharland explains that the thylacine exists today as but a remnant of the numbers which, 50 or 60 years ago, roamed the countryside, feeding on marsupials and sheep. Today it is seen only by the few trappers and prospectors who venture into the remote parts of Tasmania. Mr. Sharland is an expert on Tasmanian fauna, and his opinions and recommendations must be seriously considered. On this expedition he represented the Royal Zoological Society, and his principal object was to determine to what extent the country was inhabited by the thylacine and to examine the area generally to decide whether it was suitable for a faunal sanctuary. Mr. Sharland stresses the fact that the thylacine is no longer a menace to sheep owners, since it is now isolated in remote parts of the State, and that the animal possesses a unique scientific value. Sanctuaries are needed for its protection in areas where it is likely to be affected adversely by encroaching settlement. He suggests that the area comprising the Raglan and Collingwood ranges and the north-western slopes of the Frenchman’s Cap might be set aside as a sanctuary.
The Mercury (Hobart, Tas: 1860 – 1954) Wed 20 Sep 1939, Page 6
