Imma Perfetto
Cosmos science journalist
Researchers have developed a new screening tool which they say will enable researchers, conservationists and government agencies across Australia to better ensure the species’ survival.
The new tool might even enable conservationists to shift koalas across regions, which is difficult without detailed genomic information.
Dr Lyndal Hulse from the University of Queensland’s School of the Environment says koalas in the wild are under increasing pressure from habitat loss, disease and vehicle strikes, forcing them to live in increasingly smaller and more isolated pockets with limited access to breeding mates outside their group.
“Population inbreeding can mean detrimental effects on their health.”
Hulse has now developed a standardised koala genetic marker panel, called a “single nucleotide polymorphism” (SNP) panel, that provides a consistent method for researchers nationwide to capture and share koala genetic variation.
“SNPs are tiny differences in the DNA code at defined positions across the koala genome that vary between individual koalas and act as genetic markers,” she told Cosmos.
Hulse likens these differences to a unique genetic fingerprint for each individual koala.
“By focusing on a carefully selected set of these SNPs, we can learn important information about each animal’s genetic background, including their family relationships.
“The SNPs are distributed across the genome to ensure broad coverage and to capture overall genetic diversity, rather than focusing on a single region.”
To use the panel, scientists collect a small tissue or blood sample from a koala and extract the DNA from it. They then use the Allegro Targeted Genotyping platform, which sequences the regions of the genome where the SNPs are located to figure out which versions of each SNP the koala has.
“Because this method is so targeted and efficient, it allows us to screen many koalas quickly and cost-effectively. The result is a detailed genetic profile of each animal,” says Hulse.
At a broader scale, she adds, this allows them to compare SNP data across different regions to understand how koala populations are structured.
“Are animals in one area genetically distinct from those in another? Is there gene flow between populations, or are they cut off from each other? This helps us identify which populations are at risk and where conservation efforts might be needed.”
Using a standardised set of SNPs to genotype koalas also allows for consistency and comparability between studies carried out across the country.
“By always targeting the same SNPs, we ensure that the genetic data from different koalas and populations can be directly compared,” says Hulse.
“This consistency allows us to confidently track changes over time, identify relationships, and assess genetic diversity without confusion or error caused by changing markers. This standardisation builds a reliable genetic database that supports conservation decisions, breeding programs, and monitoring efforts to help koalas thrive.”
She says ideally the tool could help guide targeted koala relocations across regions.
“There are very strict rules about relocating koalas, but this could be key to improving and increasing the genetics of populations under threat,” she says.
“These iconic Australian marsupials are listed as endangered in Queensland, New South Wales and the ACT – and in 50 years we may only be able to see koalas in captivity.
“Understanding the genetic diversity of different populations of koalas is crucial if we’re going to save them from extinction.”
