10.4225/03/5a4d878bccd50
FAYE ELIZABETH WEDROWICZ
FAYE ELIZABETH
WEDROWICZ
Genetic data from koala scats: method development and investigation of a unique population in South Gippsland
Monash University
2018
Koala
Phascolarctos cinereus
Non-invasive genetic sampling
Population genetics
Chlamydia pecorum
Koala retrovirus
South Gippsland
Strzelecki Ranges
Microsatellite genotyping
Mitochondrial DNA
Population, Ecological and Evolutionary Genetics
2018-01-04 01:46:49
Thesis
https://bridges.monash.edu/articles/thesis/Genetic_data_from_koala_scats_method_development_and_investigation_of_a_unique_population_in_South_Gippsland/5725768
Koala populations are being impacted by threats including habitat loss, urban development, disease, dog attacks, road trauma and climatic events such as drought and bush fire. Due to a lack of genetic diversity, Victorian koalas are also vulnerable to future environmental change. This research developed molecular methods which used DNA isolated from koala scats to determine gender, unequivocally identify individuals and detect pathogens affecting koala health. Developed methods were used to investigate koalas in South Gippsland, Victoria, which were found to be genetically more diverse than other Victorian populations, warranting targeted conservation strategies.