Grant Award View - GA155471
Assessing the Genetic Value of Koala Populations for Conservation...
- GA155471-V1 - Project completion date extended due to COVID - 19 delays (14-Dec-2021 )
A key element of prioritising koala conservation is knowledge of the baseline genetic diversity (both functional and neutral) of the population. Prior work has focused on random variation across the genome (neutral diversity only). This project will add an additional layer by sequencing the whole genomes of the koalas we will be able to assess both functional and neutral diversity. This is key to understanding the species’ adaptive potential. This is important for koalas, as they are susceptible to diseases (chlamydia & koala retrovirus), exhibit mate choice, are specialist folivores and will be impacted by a changing climate.
This will be achieved through whole genome sequencing of 270 individuals from koala populations across New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. The genetic data produced will be provided to conservation managers (including government agencies) and researchers to help prioritise the on-ground management of koala populations and/or translocations to preserve unique genetic profiles in-situ and in captive breeding programs.