Nature
At the beginning of the 20th century, the koala was nearly eradicated, due to bushfires and, above all, the fur trade.
While the species, endemic to Australia, was almost extinct, it managed to rebound and multiply its population a thousandfold in 100 years, growing from approximately 1,000 individuals to 500,000. Most remarkably, the species narrowly avoided the risk of inbreeding. This natural feat was studied, and an article was published in the journal Science on March 5th.
A team of researchers led by Collin Ahrens, a professor at the Australian National University in Canberra, sought to understand how the population was able to survive and thrive. To find the reason for this turnaround, the researchers analyzed the genetic material of 418 koalas from 27 populations across Australia.
Their study shows that two parents are capable of creating unique DNA sequences.
Collin Ahrens testifies:
Koalas have managed to survive because they have reproduced at a sufficiently high rate to avoid inbreeding.
Several other species have experienced similar successes, including the California condor (whose population has grown from 27 individuals to over 500 in 40 years), the Galapagos giant tortoise (whose population has increased from 15 to 2,000 individuals in 60 years), and elephant seals.
This information is vital for future species reintroduction programs.
Source : msn.com
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