Laikotherian

Laikotherian is a genus of extinct thylacinid marsupials that lived in Australia during the Pliocene epoch. The name laikotherian means "stone beast" in Greek, referring to the fossilized remains of these animals. They are known from a single species, Laikotherian major, whose fossils have been found in New South Wales. Laikotherian major was a medium-sized predator, estimated to have weighed around 20 kilograms. It possessed a robust build and sharp teeth, suggesting it was an active hunter. Its diet likely consisted of smaller mammals and reptiles. The exact evolutionary relationship of Laikotherian to other thylacinids is still debated among paleontologists, but it is considered an early representative of the group. The discovery of Laikotherian has provided valuable insights into the diversity and evolution of marsupial carnivores in ancient Australia. Its extinction is presumed to be linked to environmental changes or competition with other predators.