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002C-00 dodo
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Tasmania
REWILDING PARADISE
Nestled at the edge of the world, just south of the Australian mainland, Tasmania emerges as a wellspring of natural beauty. Home to iconic endemic species and a rich cultural history, this temperate isle is adorned with a tapestry of ancient rainforests, rugged mountains and windswept beaches.
THE
MISSION
Safeguarding
Our Future
Colossal is committed to restoring the Earth to a healthier state, reversing climate change and protecting biodiversity, de-extincting lost species and safeguarding our future through cutting-edge innovations. By combining the science of genetics with the business of discovery, we endeavor to advance the field of bioscience and technology, make humanity more human and lead the pursuit of a brighter tomorrow.
ABOUT
tASMANIA
Located in the southern most tip of Australia, Tasmania hosts a uniquely diverse group of ecosystems. These wild landscapes are a kaleidoscope of emerald forests, azure seas and charcoal mountains—home to a myriad of endemic species that exist nowhere else on Earth. Tasmania's isolation has been both a curse and a blessing, fostering a rich biodiversity while leaving its endemic species vulnerable to the challenges of the modern world.
Human
POPULATION
LARGEST ISLAND
IN THE WORLD
ANIMAL
SPECIES
NOTABLE ENDEMIC SPECIES
The island’s landscape hosts a variety of biomes, such as alpine regions, rainforests, dry eucalypt forests and woodlands, heathlands, scrub, buttongrass moorlands, wetlands, swamps, coastal areas and marine ecosystems. However, seven Threatened Ecological Communities occur in southern Tasmania, a region housing 138 of the 150 total vegetative communities identified on the island. Climate change, invasive species and diseases, habitat loss and degradation have exposed these ecosystems to dangers, resulting in the loss of biodiversity.
However, there is hope. Colossal's Thylacine de-extinction project—focused on returning this keystone species to its native habitat—will be central to supporting efforts to increase biodiversity in Tasmania. Through conservation efforts, the de-extinction of lost species, and an ongoing partnership with the Tasmanian community, Colossal is committed to helping return this island to a healthy and thriving state.
TASMANIAN ECOSYSTEMS
Tasmania, with its unique geographical position and varied climate, is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, each hosting a variety of flora and fauna:
COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS
Temperate Rainforests
Alpine and Subalpine Regions
Wetlands and Rivers
Dry Eucalypt Forests and Woodlands
Heathlands
ButtonGrass Moorlands
AT HOME WITH
ABORIGINAL TASMANIANS
Tasmania’s Native Family
The Indigenous inhabitants of Tasmania have a rich and complex history stretching back tens of thousands of years. Aboriginal culture is entwined with the diverse and rugged landscape of Tasmania, reflected in their intricate knowledge of its soil, sea, flora, fauna and natural resources.
Tasmania’s Aboriginal people hold immense respect for their native land. Its beauty, diversity and abundance has paved the way for a lineage of sacred traditions, a true understanding of sustainability and the continuance of new generations.
Those Who Wander
Traditionally, Aboriginal Tasmanians enjoyed a nomadic lifestyle, migrating with the seasons and availability of food sources. A deep, almost instinctive connection to nature is evident in methods of hunting, fishing and gathering, as well as in their traditions, stories and spiritual beliefs that emphasize respect for the natural world.
Loss & Triumph
Though their culture is nothing short of majestic, the history of Tasmania’s native people is marked by tragedy and resilience. With the arrival of 19th century European settlers came a devastating impact to populations—leading to a period of drastic reduction due to conflict, disease and displacement. Despite the hardships of their past, Tasmania’s enduring Aboriginal people remain active in preserving and promoting their culture, language and heritage. Today, they play a vital role in preserving Tasmania itself, serving in leadership roles, building an economic future, contributing to the state's cultural diversity, advocating for the recognition and protection of Indigenous rights and more.
COMMITTED
TO COMMUNITY
Our Promise to Ethical Rewilding in Tasmania
Colossal is dedicated to an engaged and transparent relationship with the island of Tasmania—and those who call it home. By engaging local communities in meaningful discourse, we can ensure that our efforts have a positive and sustainable impact. Together, Colossal and the people of Tasmania are committed to a partnership that fosters inclusivity, encourages diversity and lends itself to a brighter tomorrow.
MICHELLE DRACOULIS
Michelle Dracoulis is the mayor of Derwent Valley Council in Tasmania—and the first woman elected to lead it. Her tenure is marked by a commitment to community engagement, environmental sustainability, growth and development within the municipality. Prior to her election as mayor, Dracoulis was deeply involved in art, diversity and community affairs, often emphasizing the importance of active and inclusive local governance.
“Bringing back the thylacine is an important step in ensuring biodiversity and safeguarding Tasmania for future generations. Its restoration will contribute to much-needed healing in our land, which has a troubled past, but is home to a people that have hopes for a brighter future.”
TASMANIA THYLACINE
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Colossal’s Board of Community Leaders
As part of our partnership with Tasmania, Colossal has assembled the Tasmania Thylacine Advisory Committee, a board of qualified individuals with diverse backgrounds, years of expertise and direct involvement with the community itself. The Committee’s main objective is to provide input on Colossal’s local conservation efforts and aid in the development of a Thylacine rewilding program in Tasmania.
The Committee—which consists of cultural, commercial, government and community leaders in Tasmania—meets quarterly to discuss the feasibility of, concerns over and needs of the public in regards to the safe and successful reintroduction of the Thylacine. Conversations center around updates from Colossal related to genomics research, biodiversity, environmental restoration and the sustained wellness of the Tasmanian community.
Michelle Dracoulis, Chairperson
Mayor of Derwent Valley Council in Tasmania
James Groom
Senior Tasmanian Lawyer, Groom Kennedy and Deputy Chancellor, University of Tasmania
Rochelle Penney
Tasmania Zoo Owner/Operator
Matthew Garwood
Mayor of Launceston, Tasmania
Alex Heroys
CEO of Destination Southern Tasmania
Loueen Triffit
Mayor of the Central Highlands Council, Aboriginal Elder
Michael Smith
President of Derwent Valley and Central Highlands Tourism Association
Greg Irons
Director of Bonorong Wildlife
Todd Babiak
CEO, Brand Tasmania
Murray Antill
Digital Fabrication Technician at the School of Creative Arts & Media University of Tasmania
Sam Bradley
Owner of The Derwent Experience
Kennedy Kurwaisimba
Planning Coordinator of Forest Products for Sustainable Timber Tasmania
Professor Mia Lindgren
UTAS Associate Dean Research Performance Community Consultation and Impact
Peter Rowe
Tasmanian Aboriginal Advocate and proud trawlwoolway man
Deb Groves
"Save the Thylacine"
Beyla Dracoulis
Tasmanian Artist and Musician
Sharmaine Mansfield
Owner – Willow Court Asylum Tours
Emma Bugg
Tasmanian Contemporary Jeweler and Co-founder of the State of Flux Workshop
“In my work, my job is to help unearth a story about what makes a place special and unique. The more I learn, the more I want to be a part of it.”
Todd Babiak
CEO, Brand Tasmania, Tasmania Thylacine Advisory Committee
CONTACT COLOSSAL
Collaboration is integral to our mission. As we work to build a brighter tomorrow, Colossal remains open to inclusive dialogue regarding what that means for the world today. For questions or comments about our partnership with Tasmania, fill out the form below.
