However, the species had been experiencing a rapid decline in population for decades prior to that, likely due to several factors including:
* Habitat loss and fragmentation: Clearing land for agriculture and settlements destroyed their natural habitats.
* Persecution by humans: The Tasmanian tiger was considered a threat to livestock, leading to widespread hunting and bounties placed on the animal.
* Disease: It's possible that diseases introduced by European settlers contributed to their decline.
Therefore, while the official extinction date is 1936, the Tasmanian tiger had been endangered for a significant period before that, likely since the 19th century.