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• Michael Sharland opened new horizons for thousands of Australians during his extensive journalistic career as ‘Nature Writer’ under the pseudonym of ‘Peregrine’ for both the Sydney Morning Herald and the Tasmanian ‘Mercury’ newspapers. He was an articulate and hugely knowledgeable naturalist who captured the imagination of his ever-growing audience with marvellously descriptive appraisals and descriptions of a wide variety of Australian native animals and birds, myself included. One of his favourite animals was without doubt the thylacine, and there is no doubting that Sharland knew as much about this mysterious animal as anyone on earth. Apart from personally studying the animal at close quarters in the Beaumaris Zoo, he interviewed many of the old trappers and bushmen who were familiar with the ways of the thylacine, as well as being personally involved with many of the early searches and expeditions launched post 1936. A long time member of the Tasmanian Field Naturalist Club, he was an active member of the Scenery Preservation Board as well as Superintendent of Scenic Reserves for many years and in addition was involved in many environmental projects around Tasmania and his invaluable contribution will never be forgotten.