Yes. There is a chance, but based on the available evidence, it is considered very unlikely.
The Tasmanian tiger, also called the thylacine, was a carnivorous marsupial native to Tasmania, mainland Australia, and New Guinea. The last known captive thylacine died in 1936, and the species was officially declared extinct in 1986 after decades without confirmed evidence.
That said, several factors keep the possibility from being reduced to absolute zero:
- Tasmania has vast wilderness. Large areas of rugged forest and mountains are sparsely populated, making it theoretically possible for a small, isolated population to avoid detection for some time.
- Sightings continue to be reported. Every few years, people claim to have seen thylacines. Some witnesses are experienced outdoorspeople, but none of the reports have produced conclusive evidence such as clear photographs, DNA, or a verified specimen.
- Camera trap searches haven't confirmed one. Researchers have deployed extensive camera networks in areas where sightings have been reported. These efforts have photographed many elusive animals, but no authenticated thylacines.
On the other hand, the evidence against their survival is substantial:
- No verified physical evidence (DNA, carcasses, bones from recent deaths, or unambiguous photos or videos) has emerged in nearly 90 years.
- Modern wildlife surveys, drones, camera traps, and environmental DNA sampling have greatly increased the chances of detecting rare mammals.
- A breeding population would likely leave detectable signs over time, such as tracks, prey remains, or genetic traces.
There are examples of so-called "living fossils" or species thought extinct that were later rediscovered, such as the coelacanth and the Lord Howe Island stick insect. However, those species either lived in environments that were difficult to survey (deep ocean) or persisted in tiny, isolated habitats. A dog-sized terrestrial predator like the thylacine would generally be expected to be easier to detect.
Overall, most zoologists would summarize the situation like this:
- Possible? Yes, in the strict sense that extinction can rarely be proven with absolute certainty.
- Probable? No. The scientific consensus is that the thylacine is extinct unless compelling new evidence emerges.
A single clear image, a verified DNA sample, or a confirmed specimen would completely change that assessment, but none has been found despite decades of searching.
