Native to continental Australia, Tasmania and New Guinea, it is thought to have become extinct in the 20th century. It was the last extant member of its family, Thylacinidae.

Intensive hunting encouraged by bounties is generally blamed for its extinction, but other contributing factors may have been disease, the introduction of dogs, and human encroachment into its habitat.

Surviving evidence suggests that it was a relatively shy, nocturnal creature with the general appearance of a medium-to-large-size dog, except for its stiff tail and abdominal pouch which was reminiscent of a kangaroo and a series of dark transverse stripes that radiated from the top of its back making it look a bit like a tiger.

The thylacine is a candidate for cloning and other molecular science projects due to its recent demise and the existence of several well preserved specimens.

Via Wikipedia.