Alive Tasmanian Tiger Sightings 2019

Julian Assange

2 min read

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06-12-2024

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The year 2019 saw a renewed surge in reported sightings of the thylacine, also known as the Tasmanian tiger or Tasmanian wolf, a marsupial carnivore officially declared extinct in 1936. While excitement surrounding these reports was high, it's crucial to approach them with a critical and discerning eye. The evidence presented, while intriguing to some, lacks the conclusive proof needed to overturn the scientific consensus on the species' extinction.

The Claims: A Review of 2019 Sightings

Several individuals claimed to have witnessed thylacines in various locations across Tasmania in 2019. These reports typically described a large, dog-like creature with distinctive striped markings, consistent with the thylacine's appearance. However, these accounts relied heavily on anecdotal evidence and lacked photographic or video proof of sufficient quality to confirm the animal's identity.

Many sightings were reported in remote areas, making independent verification challenging. The notoriously elusive nature of thylacines, even before their presumed extinction, further complicates the issue. Witnesses often described fleeting glimpses at a distance under less-than-ideal viewing conditions, leaving room for misidentification.

The Scientific Perspective: Why Skepticism Remains

The scientific community remains largely skeptical of these claims. The absence of concrete evidence—such as high-quality photographs, video footage, or physical specimens—continues to be a major obstacle. While circumstantial evidence and witness testimonies can be valuable, they are insufficient to definitively prove the survival of a species declared extinct decades ago.

Extensive camera trap surveys and other scientific research efforts designed to locate thylacines have yielded no confirmed results. The resources dedicated to these searches have been substantial, further strengthening the case against the survival of a significant, breeding population.

Misidentification and Other Explanations

Many purported thylacine sightings can be explained by alternative factors. Large, unfamiliar animals such as dingos, quolls, or even feral dogs could easily be mistaken for thylacines, especially under conditions of limited visibility. Furthermore, the enduring mythology surrounding the Tasmanian tiger may influence eyewitness accounts, consciously or unconsciously.

The Role of Confirmation Bias

The strong desire to believe in the thylacine's survival, a widely held hope amongst many, can lead to confirmation bias. This cognitive bias involves favoring information that confirms pre-existing beliefs while discounting contradictory evidence. This phenomenon may play a significant role in the interpretation and reporting of ambiguous sightings.

Conclusion: The Need for Rigorous Evidence

While the possibility of a small, undiscovered population of thylacines can't be entirely dismissed, the claims of sightings in 2019, like many before them, lack the irrefutable evidence needed to challenge the established scientific consensus on their extinction. Further research is always encouraged, but it must adhere to rigorous scientific methodologies, employing objective criteria for evidence evaluation to avoid the pitfalls of subjective interpretations. Until concrete evidence emerges, the Tasmanian tiger remains officially extinct.