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Tasmania

[ The Island Down Under ]
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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.

Colossal is determined

to give the thylacine a

second chance at life.

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.

571,165

Human
POPULATION

26th

LARGEST ISLAND
IN THE WORLD

12k

ANIMAL
SPECIES

 

NOTABLE ENDEMIC SPECIES

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Thylacine Tasmanian Tiger
EUCALYPT FORESTS, DRYLANDS,WETLANDS
Goniobranchus Tasmaniensis
MARINE ECOSYSTEMS
Eastern Bettong
HEATHLANDS
Eastern Quoll
COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS
Tasmanian Pademelon
Rainforests, heathlands, EUCALYPT FORESTS
Neotrigonia Margaritacea
MARINE ECOSYSTEMS
Tasmanian Emu
COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS, heathlands, EUCALYPT FORESTS
Ptunarra Brown Butterfly
ALPINE FORESTS

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

[ vital for conservation efforts ]

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.

THE Aboriginal Tasmanian

people are the only

group of humans to evolve in

isolation for over 10,000 years

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.

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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.”

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Pioneers of conservation

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

Pioneer 01

James Groom

Senior Tasmanian Lawyer, Groom Kennedy and Deputy Chancellor, University of Tasmania

Pioneer 02

Alex Heroys

CEO of Destination Southern Tasmania

Pioneer 03

Loueen Triffit

Mayor of the Central Highlands Council, Aboriginal Elder

Pioneer 04

Michael Smith

President of Derwent Valley and Central Highlands Tourism Association

Pioneer 05

Greg Irons

Director of Bonorong Wildlife

Pioneer 06

Todd Babiak

CEO, Brand Tasmania

Pioneer 07

Murray Antill

Digital Fabrication Technician at the School of Creative Arts & Media University of Tasmania

Pioneer 08

Sam Bradley

Owner of The Derwent Experience

Pioneer 09

Kennedy Kurwaisimba

Planning Coordinator of Forest Products for Sustainable Timber Tasmania

Pioneer 010

Professor Mia Lindgren

UTAS Associate Dean Research Performance Community Consultation and Impact

Pioneer 011

Peter Rowe

Tasmanian Aboriginal Advocate and proud trawlwoolway man

Pioneer 012

Beyla Dracoulis

Tasmanian Artist and Musician

Pioneer 013

Sharmaine Mansfield

Owner – Willow Court Asylum Tours

Pioneer 014

Emma Bugg

Tasmanian Contemporary Jeweler and Co-founder of the State of Flux Workshop

Pioneer 015

“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.