A new Tasmanian Tiger species has been named after Australian Reptile Park and Aussie Ark managing director and leading wildlife conservation figure Tim Faulkner.
The discovery of 25-million-year-old Thylacine fossils in Queensland has revolutionised the understanding of Australia’s ancient predators with the largest of the new species, Badjcinus timfaulkneri, being named after Faulkner in recognition for his lifelong dedication to Australian wildlife conservation, especially for his work with Tasmanian devils, the Thylcanine’s closest living relative.
“It’s an absolute honour to have Badjcinus timfaulkneri named after me,” he said.
“As someone who has dedicated my life to wildlife conservation, this recognition is truly humbling.
“For me, the Thylacine has always held a special place in my heart.
“To have a species from this iconic family carry my name is beyond anything I could have ever imagined – it’s a lifelong dream come true.
“The discovery of these ancient Thylacine fossils is incredibly exciting.
“It reminds us how rich and diverse Australia’s natural history is, and just how much we still have to learn.
“I’m deeply proud to be part of this story.”
Lead author and PhD student Tim Churchill from the University of NSW said the discovery of the ancient fossils in Queensland was significant.
Badjcinus timfaulkneri is the largest of the newly discovered species, weighing between seven and 11 kilograms, about the same size as a large Tasmanian devil, with a jawbone that could easily crunch through the bones and teeth of its prey.
Churchill said the newly discovered Thylacine added a new piece to the puzzle of the Tasmanian tiger’s ancestry and up until now, the much smaller Badjcinus turnbulli, which weighed around 2.7kg, was the only other late Oligocene thylacinid known.
Badjcinus timfaulkneri is estimated to be 25-23 million years old.
Aussie Ark is a world leader in breeding and rewilding some of Australia’s most endangered species.
As a not-for-profit organisation, Aussie Ark raises the necessary funds to continue its ambitious vision through donations, sponsorships and partnerships.
Investment allows for the construction of captive facilities and predator-proof fencing on semi-wild parcels of land.
FANTASTIC! WELL DESERVED FOR TIM FAULKNER!
ALSO, AWESOME TO KNOW THAT NEW DISCOVERIES ARE BEING MADE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS ICONIC SPECIES!
JUST SO SAD THAT CONSERVATION IS NOT TREATED AS A PRIORITY BY THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT. INSTEAD, BILLIONS GOING INTO DISTRACTING THE PUBLIC WITH UNECONOMICAL OLYMPIC STADIUMS WHEN THE MONEY IS DESPARATELY NEEDED TO PRESERVE FORESTS AND SPECIES WHO BELONG THERE!!