The Tasmanian tiger dies

Even if the Tasmanian tiger is not hunted by humans, the animal will become extinct because its genetic diversity is very low, according to new research.

>>>Tasmanian tiger extinct due to human error

The Tasmanian tiger (Thylacinus cynocephalus) , the size of a dog, the size of a dog living in mainland Australia and Tasmania, was hunted to extinction in the early 1900s. The last tiger died in a zoo in Tasmania in 1936. .

Genetic examination of 14 specimens of Tasmania tiger's skin, bones and other parts that have been preserved for more than 100 years, scientists discovered, 99.5% of these tiger genomes are alike. Usually other species must be different.

Tasmanian tigers have very low genetic diversity (Photo: Livescience)

This suggests that the Tasmanian tiger has a very low genetic diversity , even lower than the Tasmanian demon - a Tasmanian tiger relative. When genetic diversity is poor, this tiger species is in danger of extinction due to the possibility of inbreeding and easy spread of disease.

With the results of the study, scientists hope to find a way to protect native species, such as the Tasmanian devil - being threatened by cancer, in Australia better.