Journal article
Analysis and conservation implications of koala genetics
Conservation Biology, Vol.14(3), pp.639-649
2000
Abstract
Koalas are the only living member of their family and therefore deserve serious conservation consideration. Koalas have low levels of genetic variation within and among populations in the southern part of their range, where they have experienced many relocations and population crashes since European colonization of Australia. The importance of this change in variation is underlined by preliminary indications that levels of genetic variation may affect fitness in koalas. Techniques have been developed to help identify and monitor genetic problems in koalas and to provide the information and tools to make genetic management an integral part of koala conservation. The koala is currently at an appropriate point for conservation intervention: there is clear evidence of decline in some populations, but the existence of other robust populations offers the possibility of a variety of creative solutions to their conservation problems. Managers should aim to maintain this species' current ecological amplitude (the range of environments in which populations are found) and minimize the loss, fragmentation, or decline of populations. There are no data to suggest that any population requires genetic supplementation. The concepts of evolutionarily significant unit (ESU) and management unit (MU) can be useful in the genetic management of koalas, including monitoring and management regimes. But ESUs and MUs can also be misleading if they are not interpreted carefully in terms of population history and the ultimate goal of management. Translocations should not involve extensive use of stock from a single source, especially those with low genetic variation, and they require careful management to avoid possible problems when individuals encounter novel strains of the pathogen Chlamydia pecorum, because several genetically distinct strains have been found in koalas, some of which may derive from introduced species. Genetic indicators can and must make considerable contributions to koala management, but they require careful interpretation.
Details
- Title
- Analysis and conservation implications of koala genetics
- Authors
- W B Sherwin (Author) - University of New South WalesPeter Timms (Author) - Queensland University of TechnologyJ Wilcken (Author) - Australian Regional Association of Zoological Parks and AquariaB Houlden (Author) - Zoological Parks Board of New South Wales
- Publication details
- Conservation Biology, Vol.14(3), pp.639-649
- Publisher
- Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Inc.
- DOI
- 10.1046/j.1523-1739.2000.99384.x
- ISSN
- 0888-8892
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Centre for Bioinnovation
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99449726202621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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