Recently, I had the chance to explore the Hobart Museum, a treasure trove of history and culture. Among the many fascinating exhibits, one stood out and left a lasting impression on me – the skin of the last ever thylacine, affectionately known as Benny. The Hobart Museum is worth a visit.
Walking through the museum, I was captivated by the rich history of Tasmania. Each exhibit told a unique story, but Benny’s display was particularly poignant. The thylacine, or Tasmanian tiger, was a remarkable creature, and its extinction in the early 20th century marked the end of an era. Standing before Benny’s preserved skin, I felt a deep sense of loss and reflection. It was more than just a display; it was a powerful reminder of the fragility of our natural world.
Seeing Benny’s skin up close in Hobart Museum was a surreal & emotional experience. The intricate patterns of its fur and the lifelike texture made it seem as though Benny was still alive, silently narrating the story of its kind. I couldn’t help but think about the countless thylacines that once roamed Tasmania, now reduced to a single, preserved specimen.
This encounter had a profound impact on me. It made me realize the importance of conservation and our role in protecting endangered species. Benny’s story is a stark reminder of the consequences of human actions on wildlife. It urged me to reflect on our responsibility towards the environment and the need to preserve the delicate balance of nature.
As I left the Hobart Museum, I carried with me a renewed sense of purpose. Benny’s legacy is not just a tale of extinction; it’s a call to action. It’s a reminder that we must cherish and protect the biodiversity that remains. My visit to the Hobart Museum was not just an educational experience; it was a transformative Tasmanian journey that deepened my appreciation for the natural world.
The Ongoing Threat of Extinction in Australia
While my visit to the Hobart Museum and seeing Benny, the last ever thylacine’s skin, was a poignant reminder of past extinctions, it also highlighted a sobering reality.
Extinction is still happening in Australia today. Despite our awareness and technological advancements, many species continue to face the threat of disappearing forever.
Australia has one of the highest rates of species extinction in the world. The list of threatened species is growing, with nearly 2,000 native plants and animals currently at risk. This includes iconic species like the koala and the greater glider, both of which have recently been added to the endangered list due to habitat destruction.
The reasons for this ongoing crisis are multifaceted. Habitat destruction, driven by land clearing for agriculture and urban development, is a major factor. Invasive species, climate change, and inadequate conservation funding also play significant roles. Despite the alarming rate of extinction, efforts to protect these species often fall short. Conservation laws and policies are in place, but they are not always effectively enforced or adequately funded.
It’s disheartening to see that even with the knowledge and resources available, we are not doing enough to prevent these extinctions. The loss of biodiversity has far-reaching consequences, not just for the environment but for humanity as well. Each species plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of our ecosystems, and their loss can lead to unforeseen ripple effects.
Reflecting on Benny’s story and the ongoing extinction crisis, it’s clear that we need to take more decisive action. We must prioritize conservation efforts, enforce existing laws, and allocate sufficient funding to protect our unique wildlife. It’s not just about preserving individual species; it’s about safeguarding the intricate web of life that sustains us all. You do not expect to see this in the Hobart Museum but you know this is where we now have to view this amazing creature.
Benny The Thylacine, or Tasmanian Tiger – Photos By Fernandes
Join the Discussion
The story of Benny, the last ever thylacine, and the ongoing extinction crisis in Australia are powerful reminders of the fragility of our natural world. It’s crucial that we come together to address these issues and work towards a sustainable future.
What are your feelings about the extinction of the thylacine and other species?
What steps do you think we can take to better protect endangered species in Australia?
How can we raise awareness and encourage more people to get involved in conservation efforts?
Do you have any personal experiences or stories related to wildlife conservation that you’d like to share?
Your insights and ideas are valuable, and together, we can make a difference. Let’s start a conversation and inspire action to protect our planet’s biodiversity.
Hello DC,
Last year I was blessed to spend two weeks in Tasmania and got to tour a good part of the island. I gave myself the last week to take it slow and explore areas of the SW and NE more intimately. I loved it so much I am planning my return as I write.
I was shocked though to see that while Tassie does still a have a good amount of true wilds, it is NOT the widespread unspoiled land I had expected. Urban expansion with the corresponding highways and infrastructure “needs” are popping up all over. Roads criss-cross the state and disrupt the natural landscape like cut lines on a jigsaw puzzle. From far away, the picture looks OK but the closer you look the more interference and disruption you see.
As mainland Australia’s population as a whole continues to expand, Tasmania becomes more desirable for the allure of a less crowded and more natural environment. But as more people continue to move in, the less true this will be.
I fear that in just a few short years the encroachment will go too far, and the chance of the thylacine surviving will disappear.
Hi Peter,
Thanks for your comment and, Yes! you are absolutely right about the creep of urban expansion and the disruption that follows closely behind. It was fascinating and a little depressing to find traffic as helter-skelter as Sydney’s on a bad day! We were on a photo shoot for our PhotoChronicles website though, and for that, Tasmanian history was a visual smorgasbord!
We are optimistic about the survival of the Thylacine at this stage, and, like many others, we would not let on, if, where and when we saw one if we ever did.
Meanwhile, we are really optimistic that we can turn our rivers back the way they were and help save our environment so we can push back against the extinctions that we Aussies seem to be the record holders of.
I note from your website that you are strong on the environment, and I hope you will spend a few minutes on another of our websites https://ecoreefproject.com/ and share your thoughts with us.
I look forward to communicating with you and answering any questions you may have.
Have a great day
Cheers
Mike Fernandes