In 1936, the last known Tasmanian tiger, or thylacine, was declared extinct after it died in Hobart Zoo. This extinction was largely attributed to habitat fragmentation, hunting bounties, and disease, highlighting the impact of human activity on wildlife. The loss of the Tasmanian tiger serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of conservation efforts and the need to protect endangered species from similar fates.

The declaration of the Tasmanian tiger as extinct in 1936 symbolized colonial ecological destruction, inspiring poetry that mourned lost wilderness. Poets like Judith Wright and others used their verse to advocate for environmental awareness and conservation. This event highlighted the urgent need for ecological consciousness in literature and the arts.