Koala egg and sperm bank created in bid keep species alive

A pioneering initiative in Queensland is creating Australia's first koala egg and sperm bank, aiming to safeguard the genetic future of the endangered marsupial. Scientists at the University of Queensland's Gatton campus are collaborating with wildlife hospitals to collect and cryo-preserve genetic samples from koalas that are beyond saving.

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Biobanking is very, very crucial in species that are endangered, like the koala. The more genetic diversity you have within the population, the better the species can adjust and adapt to changes like environmental changes, heat, stress, fire, disease.

Reproductive biologist Andres Gambini emphasized the critical role of biobanking for endangered species. "Biobanking is very, very crucial in species that are endangered, like the koala," he stated. "The more genetic diversity you have within the population, the better the species can adjust and adapt to changes like environmental changes, heat, stress, fire, disease."

The collected sperm and egg cells will serve as a "genetic safety net." In the future, this material can be used for artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization, potentially leading to the successful gestation of koala embryos created in a lab. "Hopefully … we can transfer those embryos into koala females that can carry on the gestation of an embryo that was produced in the lab," Dr. Gambini explained, noting the similarity to procedures used in domestic animals and humans.

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Hopefully … we can transfer those embryos into koala females that can carry on the gestation of an embryo that was produced in the lab.

Wildlife hospitals, such as the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, are partnering with the project. Michael Pyne from the hospital highlighted the severe challenges koalas face, including chlamydia epidemics, attacks by feral animals, and vehicle strikes, in addition to habitat loss. He expressed concern that the species could disappear from southeast Queensland in the near future.

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They are really struggling; there are many challenges for koalas that are not just habitat loss.

Dr. Pyne echoed Dr. Gambini's sentiment on the importance of genetic diversity. "There may be some very key genetics that, through preservation, we can bring back later, that could make a big difference in the future," he said. The project aims to future-proof koala genetics by categorizing samples based on the health and genetic merit of the animal, ensuring valuable genetic material is accessible for future conservation efforts.

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I often say, 'If we can't be bothered to save koalas, what can we be bothered to save?'