KOALAS

NEWS: Koalas in the Australian state of Victoria have recovered from a severe genetic bottleneck through rapid population expansion

Genetic Bottleneck

• Occurs when a species’ population drastically declines, leaving very few individuals to reproduce.

Consequences of a Bottleneck

• Loss of genetic diversity
• Increased inbreeding
• Higher vulnerability to diseases
• Lower adaptability to environmental changes

Key Scientific Finding

The research suggests that:

• Genetic bottlenecks do not always lead to extinction.
• Rapid population expansion can restore evolutionary potential.
• New mutations can compensate for earlier genetic losses.

Koalas

• They are one of the few non-primates to have individual fingerprints that are nearly indistinguishable from humans
• Have strong limbs with sharp claws and two opposable thumbs on each front paw to maintain a firm grip while climbing.
• Victorian koalas are generally larger, weighing up to 14–15 kg, and have thicker
• They eat up eucalyptus leaves
• Their primary threats include habitat loss from land clearing, disease (especially Chlamydia)