Rare Tasmanian tiger head discovered under London bed heads to auction

A mounted head of the extinct Tasmanian tiger has emerged from an unlikely hiding place—tucked away in a box beneath a bed in a London home—offering collectors and museums a rare opportunity to acquire one of the world's most sought-after natural history specimens.

The thylacine, scientifically known as Thylacinus cynocephalus, vanished from the wild more than a century ago, with the species declared extinct in 1936. The discovery of this particular specimen is exceptionally significant, as only three mounted thylacine heads are known to remain in existence globally, making it an extraordinarily scarce piece of natural heritage.

Auctioneer Auctioneum has authenticated the specimen and cataloged it within an international database tracking such items. The organisation estimates the mounted head will attract serious interest at its forthcoming sale, with valuations ranging from £30,000 to £50,000. The appeal extends across multiple sectors, from private collectors seeking iconic natural history pieces to institutional buyers representing museums and research centres.

The sale comes amid growing international interest in extinct species memorabilia and the increasing recognition of the thylacine as a symbol of humanity's impact on biodiversity. Strict regulations govern the trade in such specimens, ensuring that only properly authenticated and documented items reach the market, lending credibility and legitimacy to this particular lot.