New Rock Art Discovery in Arnhem Land Suggests Tasmanian Tigers Survived on Mainland Australia Much Longer Than Previously Estimated

Newly discovered rock art in Australia suggests Tasmanian tigers lived on the mainland 2,000 years longer than previously believed, surviving until 1,000 years ago.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 31, 2026, 3:47 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Griffith University

Uncovering Ancient Echoes of Extinct Marsupials

The mysterious history of the thylacine, popularly known as the Tasmanian tiger, has been significantly updated following the discovery of rare rock art in northwest Arnhem Land. A research team led by Professor Paul Taçon has documented a series of previously unknown images that provide a visual record of these striped marsupials in northern Australia. While scientists traditionally believed these animals went extinct on the mainland roughly 3,000 years ago, the newly identified artworks suggest a much more recent presence. This discovery not only reshapes biological timelines but also highlights the deep and enduring connection between Indigenous communities and the native megafauna of the region.

Technological Clues in Pigment and Preservation

The age of the rock art is being estimated through the specific materials used by the ancient artists, particularly the distinction between red ochre and white pipe clay. While red ochre is known to stain rock and last for over 15,000 years, white pipe clay is far more fragile and typically erodes within a millennium. The presence of thylacine depictions rendered in this white clay indicates that the artists likely observed living specimens or were part of a culture that maintained vivid, recent memories of the animal. According to Professor Taçon, this physical evidence supports the theory that isolated populations of thylacines may have persisted in the rugged terrain of Arnhem Land long after they vanished elsewhere.

Cultural Significance and the Djankerrk Legacy

For the Traditional Owners of Western Arnhem Land, the thylacine—known locally as Djankerrk—is not merely a fossil or a scientific curiosity but a meaningful cultural entity. The research documented 160 thylacine depictions compared to only 25 for the Tasmanian devil, suggesting the former held a more prominent place in the social and spiritual life of the region. Oral histories describe the thylacine as a companion to the Rainbow Serpent, living in rock pools and possessing a spiritual connection to water. Co-author Joey Nganjmirra noted that ancestors shared stories of hunting alongside these creatures, indicating they were viewed as active participants in the daily lives of his people.