THYLACINE, THYLACINUS
\θˈa͡ɪlɐsˌiːn], \θˈaɪlɐsˌiːn], \θ_ˈaɪ_l_ɐ_s_ˌiː_n]\
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A genus of carnivorous Marsupialia inhabiting Tasmania. T. cynocephalus, the native hyaena or dog-faced opossum of the colonists is the only known species. In size it is generally about 4 feet in total length, though some specimens attain a much greater size. It is nocturnal in its habits: of a fierce and most determined disposition, and is very destructive to sheep and other animals. It has an elongated and somewhat dog-like muzzle, and a long tapering tail; the fur is grayish-brown with a series of boldly-defined stripes, nearly black in color, beginning just behind the shoulders and ending upon the base of the tail. Called also TASMANIAN WOLF, ZEBRA WOLF, TIGER WOLF.
By Daniel Lyons
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Nearby Words
- thyatira
- thyine wood
- thyine-wood
- thyite
- thylacine
- thylacine, thylacinus
- thylacinus
- thylacinus cynocephalus
- thylacitis
- thylacoleo
- thylacotherium