Ancient DNA Reveals Koalas’ Path to Survival

A study published in Molecular Biology and Evolution revealed that koala faced a near-extinction event approximately 100,000 years ago, long before humans migrated to Australia. Using genomic analysis, researchers counted the number and rate of gene mutations within four parent-offspring trios and applied this mutation rate to 457 koala genomes. This analysis enabled scientists to trace the expansion and contraction of the koala population over thousands of years.

They concluded that contemporary koalas in Eastern Australia are all descended from a single population that survived the intense glacial conditions of the late Pleistocene age. The results of the research will help scientists analyze current population changes and improve conservation strategies. Koalas are listed as endangered in Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.