Lack of genetic diversity threat to southeast Queensland koala population
Scientists believe all is not well with the koala population in southeast Queensland, with some of the native animals being snapped with unusual fur colouring.
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Take a look at these strange-coloured koalas, including one from North Stradbroke Island.
Scientists believe it’s a sign that all is not well with the koala population.
Ecologist Dr Steven Phillips says inbreeding or low genetic diversity are the likely reason.
“Decades of land clearing has made it harder for koalas to move around and improve gene flow,’’ he said.
“Then fires sweep through and only a few survivors are left to breed. There is a loss of genetic vigour so reconnecting habitats is essential.’’
WWF Australia will soon kick-start a regeneration program in areas such as northern NSW and southern Queensland.
Specialised drones will be deployed to plant 40,000 seeds a day to create corridors so that koalas can move across a landscape fragmented by fire and land clearing.
The plan is to double the current koala population by 2050.
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