Tasmanian tiger fanatic says animal may still exist in Melbourne’s east

THE last known Tasmanian tiger died in 1936, but one man who has researched possible sightings for more than 20 years believes they may still exist in Melbourne’s east — along with other rare creatures.

FROM deer and kangaroos to big cats and now Tasmanian tigers — one man believes the wildlife around Warrandyte and Wonga Park might be more diverse than official reports suggest.

After reading Leader’s recent article about wildlife from Mt Lofty wreaking havoc, Michael Moss said he believes there might be more exotic sightings in store for landowners.

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Mr Moss has been on the trail of Thylacines, more commonly known as Tasmanian tigers, for more than 20 years.

The last known Tasmanian tiger died in captivity in 1936 but that hasn’t stopped people claiming to have seen the large carnivorous marsupial since.

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But now Mr Moss wants anyone from Warrandyte, in particular, to give him a call if they reckon they’ve seen a Tasmanian tiger, which he’s been chasing in the area since 2003.

A stuffed Tasmanian tiger. The last known one died in 1936. Picture: Torsten Blackwood

“It’s perfectly possible there are Tasmanian tigers in Victoria,” Mr Moss said.

“Back in 2003, I took out a Freedom of Information that revealed Parks Victoria had a heap of sightings they were keeping quiet.”

Mr Moss, who claims to have video footage of a Tasmanian tiger taken in 1998, said he was interested to hear of any recent sightings of either Tasmanian tigers or big cats in the area.

“I also have an open mind as to whether there are panthers and pumas on the mainland — it’s scientifically possible,” he said.

Anyone who reckons they’ve seen a Tasmanian tiger in Warrandyte can call Mr Moss on 0434 904 944.

Parks Victoria area chief ranger Faye Williams said the organisation wasn’t aware of any “actual sightings” of Tasmanian tigers in its parks, including Warrandyte State Park.

Over the years there have been several reports in the outer areas of Melbourne of sightings of big cats that looked similar to black pumas.

The latest was Lilydale’s Kevin Manners, who says he spotted a muscular jet-black big cat 20 metres away from him on a walking track in Warburton in April.