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They are a true Australian icon, but there is a lot more behind this pretty koala munching gum leaves – secrets that scientists did not have a definitive picture of until now.
In a world first, researchers led by the Australian Museum and the University of Sydney were able to discover vital information about koalas and how their future depends on our protection.
Current studies predict that koala populations could drop dramatically – up to 50 percent in the next 20 years in Queensland alone. And the researchers say the time has come to make sure that the most popular marsupials do not end up as the next Tasmanian devil.
Director of the Australian Museum Research Institute Professor Rebecca Johnson, who was co-leader of the koala study, said that the reasons the devils were struggling were because of the fact that they were not the only ones in the world. they were not genetically diversified.
This genetic diversity was also important with respect to koalas, according to the recent study.
Professor Johnson stated that even though you could see more koalas in South Australia, they were not as genetically important for the future of the species. This is because when the Koala population of South Australia was wiped out by hunting and the people were rebuilt, this led to their consanguinity.
A comprehensive study of the koala has highlighted the importance of genetic diversity for the future of the marsupial Photo: Greta Frankham
Meanwhile, koala populations in the coastal areas of Queensland and NSW are richer in diversity – but it is these populations that are most at risk.
According to the Australian Government, Queensland, NSW and ACT koalas populations are "vulnerable" under national environmental legislation.
The in-depth study – the best marsupial genomic sequence to date – has been undertaken to highlight the importance of conservation and the role that genetic diversity plays in this context.
Koala-related tourism alone brings Australia more than $ 1.5 billion a year.
Scientists have discovered how koalas tolerate a "toxic" diet of eucalyptus leaves, why they are difficult, the benefits of breast milk for babies, how they can develop or fight the disease, their movements, evolutionary history and the effects of clearing. on them.
Professor Rebecca Johnson meets a sleeping koala at Featherdale Wildlife Park in Sydney
"It's really important to remember that we live with these animals and our backyards were not always there" , said Professor Johnson.
"They could move into your garden because they want to find another tree or a companion and their genomes show that they have been doing it for tens of thousands of years – and that's it. 39 is really important to maintain.
"Obviously we have to keep up with the landscape by the minute, and it's tempting to think that it's never been different, but the genome is a powerful way to capture diversity and to look back to see what it was once. "
Professor Johnson said that because we were increasing the urbanization of koala habits, this could have serious consequences.
"If you artificially cut them into smaller populations, it's not great in the long run," she said.
"If you are lucky to have a koala in your garden, think of measures to protect it such as do not drop it in your pool and your dog will chase it."
The consortium of scientists led by Australia included 54 scientists from 29 different institutions across seven countries, sequencing more than 3.4 billion base pairs and 26,000 genes in the genome of the koala.
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