Koala Conservation Efforts

(Mains GS Paper-3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment)

Context

Australia has approved the world’s first vaccine to protect wild koalas from chlamydia infection.

This single-dose vaccine was developed by the University of Sunshine Coast in the state of Queensland.
The government contributed to the vaccine’s development through the $76 million (USD 50 million) ‘Saving Koalas Fund’.
The vaccine has reduced the mortality rate from the disease in the wild population by at least 65%.
After approval, the vaccine can be used in wildlife hospitals, veterinary clinics, and in the field to protect the most vulnerable koalas in the country.

Chlamydia infection is causing infertility and death in this iconic native species, which is endangered in parts of Australia.
Chlamydia is transmitted through close contact or mating, and can cause urinary tract infections, infertility, blindness, and death.
Both male and female koalas can be infected, while koala joeys can be infected through feeding in their mother’s pouch.
Veterinarians had only antibiotics as the primary option for treating chlamydia-infected koalas.
- However, these drugs do not protect koalas from reinfection and can impair their ability to digest eucalyptus leaves, their main food source.

Like wombats and kangaroos, koalas are iconic Australian marsupials.
Scientific name: Phascolarctos cinereus
IUCN Status Status: Vulnerable
They spend most of their time in eucalyptus trees, eating, drinking, and sleeping.
Their paws have two opposable thumbs, which help them grip tree trunks and climb.
The wild koala population in Australia has declined significantly over the past two decades.
Koalas are listed as an endangered species in the states of Queensland and New South Wales, and in the Australian Capital Territory.
According to the Queensland government, if this trend continues, koalas could become extinct by 2050.
Factors contributing to the population decline: Chlamydia infection, habitat fragmentation, climate change, increasing road accidents, natural disasters, and feral predators.