Save Koalas Through Their Genes
Saving koalas became a priority in Australia a few years ago. A recent study has sequenced the genome of this marsupial, which makes it possible to face some of its threats, especially diseases.
Saving the koalas: every day more necessary
In 2012, the news came: saving koalas became paramount for the Australian government, declaring this species as vulnerable in some areas of the country. Unfortunately, this animal symbol of Oceania is increasingly threatened.
According to researchers, in the next 20 years half of the koalas could disappear from the country, something frightening.
Interestingly, koala populations have increased in some parts of southern Australia, while in the north they are disappearing.
Saving Koalas: The Importance of Your Genome
Therefore, a team of Australian scientists has sequenced the complete genome of the koala, which provides an incomparable structure for its conservation as it is a unique species.
One of the most striking discoveries is the composition of koala milk. It has been found that the koala adjusts the composition of milk proteins depending on the stage of lactation, something that does not occur among other animals.
Scientists have also discovered genes related to the koala’s immune system, which will allow us to delve into the study of chlamydia, a disease that puts the conservation of this species at risk.
This disease causes blindness and infertility in koalas, a combination that has caused populations to plummet.
This new study is expected to help develop a vaccine against chlamydia, as in some areas of Australia it affects 90% of animals.
Another threat to the koala is a species-specific retrovirus, which is just now being investigated.
It is hoped that the study of the koala genome will reveal important data about this virus, as it appears to have evolved along with the species, so they are closely related.
Save the koalas, a unique species
Koalas are a unique species: they are the last of the Phascolarctidae, a family of marsupials that became extinct thousands of years ago in Australia, of which only the koala remains.
Among its curiosities, its special diet stands out: eating eucalyptus leaves is something especially toxic for other mammals, but the koala was able to adapt its digestive system to this difficult digestion.
In addition, it is important to emphasize that, thanks to this, the koala has access to a food that other animals despise, so it does not have to compete in this aspect with other species.
However, despite this exclusive menu, climate change also threatens the species, which started to approach people thirsty in order to drink water. This new study seems to give hope to one of Australia’s friendliest wildlife.
