by Lily Munro Koalas are one of Australia’s most unique species. Their cute and cuddly appearance has captured the hearts of many tourists and locals alike. Since being listed as Endangered in Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory in 2022, they have also become one of the Continue Reading
Koala
Low genetic diversity and high inbreeding in one of the last chlamydia-free strongholds for New South Wales koalas
Type: Journal article Reference: McLennan, E.A., Wilmott, L., Madden, K. et al. Low genetic diversity and high inbreeding in one of the last chlamydia-free strongholds for New South Wales koalas. Conserv Genet (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-025-01682-6 Abstract The genetic consequences of population isolation include inbreeding, genetic diversity loss and loss of adaptive Continue Reading
Genomics identifies koala populations at risk across eastern Australia
Type: Journal article Reference: McLennan, Elspeth A., Toby G. L. Kovacs, Luke W. Silver, Zhiliang Chen, Frederick R. Jaya, Simon Y. W. Ho, Katherine Belov, and Carolyn J. Hogg. 2025. “ Genomics Identifies Koala Populations at Risk across Eastern Australia.” Ecological Applications 35(1): e3062. https://doi.org/10.1002/eap.3062 Abstract Koalas are an iconic, Continue Reading
Using bioinformatics to investigate functional diversity: a case study of MHC diversity in koalas
Type: Journal article Reference: Silver LW, McLennan EA, Beaman J, da Silva KB, Timms P, Hogg CJ, Belov K. Using bioinformatics to investigate functional diversity: a case study of MHC diversity in koalas. Immunogenetics. 2024 Dec;76(5-6):381-395. doi: 10.1007/s00251-024-01356-6 Abstract Conservation genomics can greatly improve conservation outcomes of threatened populations, including Continue Reading
How to catch a koala
by Dr. Luke Silver Until recently, the majority of research in the Australasian Wildlife Genomics Group occurred on the Tasmanian devil and trapping these marsupial carnivores is quite a straightforward process. Setting a trap overnight baited with a tasty piece of fresh meat to lure the devils inside. Recently, I Continue Reading
Koalas and Chlamydia: How can genomics help?
by Luke Silver (PhD Student) The mention of a koala infected with Chlamydia will often be met with rounds of laughter or even concern, “can I get Chlamydia from touching a koala?” For koalas, Chlamydia is no laughing matter with up to 100% of individuals in some populations infected with Continue Reading
Koala Genome Survey: an open data resource to improve conservation planning
Type: Journal Article Reference: Hogg, C. J., Silver, L., McLennan, E. A., & Belov, K. (2023). Koala Genome Survey: An Open Data Resource to Improve Conservation Planning. Genes, 14(3), 546. doi: 10.3390/genes14030546 Summary Genome sequencing is a powerful tool that can inform the management of threatened species. Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) are Continue Reading
ABC Radio National: Will any Koalas be left in the Australias East by 2050
Being one of Australia’s cutest animals hasn’t prevented its slide towards extinction. Reporter Rachael Brown investigates what is being done to try to curb the koala’s declining population: Listen to the full broadcast here: https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/backgroundbriefing/will-any-koalas-be-left-in-australias-east-by-2050/13953818