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Abstract Reliable estimates of abundance are critical in effectively managing threatened species, but the feasibility of integrating data from wildlife surveys completed using advanced technologies such as remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) and machine learning into abundance estimation methods such as N‐mixture modeling is largely unknown due to the unique sources of detection errors associated with these technologies. We evaluated two modeling approaches for estimating the abundance of koalas detected automatically in RPAS imagery: (a) a generalized N‐mixture model and (b) a modified Horvitz–Thompson (H‐T) estimator method combining generalized linear models and generalized additive models for overall probability of detection, false detection, and duplicate detection. The final estimates from each model were compared to the true number of koalas present as determined by telemetry‐assisted ground surveys. The modified H‐T estimator approach performed best, with the true count of koalas captured within the 95% confidence intervals around the abundance estimates in all 4 surveys in the testing dataset (n = 138 detected objects), a particularly strong result given the difficulty in attaining accuracy found with previous methods. The results suggested that N‐mixture models in their current form may not be the most appropriate approach to estimating the abundance of wildlife detected in RPAS surveys with automated detection, and accurate estimates could be made with approaches that account for spurious detections.

Background: Marsupials have a narrower range of forelimb morphological features than placental mammals. It is hypothesized that this is due to a constraint in the reproductive biology of marsupials. The constraint is that newborn marsupials must crawl into their mother's pouch. However, anatomical knowledge of the brachial plexus in marsupials is scarce and has not been discussed. In the present study, the purpose is to examine the anatomy of the brachial plexuses of a koala, a Tasmanian devil, and a common ringtail possum and to discuss the brachial plexus of marsupials with reference to the previous reports., Materials and Methods: One adult koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) specimen, one adult Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii), and one adult common ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus) were used in this study., Discussion: The ventral rami of C5, C6, C7, C8, and T1 formed the brachial plexus in all 3 marsupials. Each nerve branch differed by one segment among the 3 marsupials. Therefore, the brachial plexus was considered in the form of a few differences among marsupials., Conclusions: Because of a quite difficulty of getting an opportunity for anatomical examination on marsupials, an accumulation of cases like the present study is needed for future quantitative and qualitative analyses of the brachial plexus pattern of the marsupials.

This article discusses the work of Mia Downes, an Irish veterinary nurse working in a wildlife hospital in Brisbane, Australia, who cares for koala patients. Koalas are brought to the hospital for various reasons, including infections, injuries, and the effects of severe weather events. Downes describes the process of caring for koalas, which involves minimizing stress, monitoring their well-being, and providing necessary treatments and medications. She also discusses the importance of maintaining a clean and stress-free environment for the koalas. The article concludes with Downes expressing her satisfaction with her work and encouraging readers to follow their own dreams. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract Effective conservation requires accurate data on population genetic diversity, inbreeding, and genetic structure. Increasingly, scientists are adopting genetic non‐invasive sampling (gNIS) as a cost‐effective population‐wide genetic monitoring approach. gNIS has, however, known limitations which may impact the accuracy of downstream genetic analyses. Here, using high‐quality single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data from blood/tissue sampling of a free‐ranging koala population (n = 430), we investigated how the reduced SNP panel size and call rate typical of genetic non‐invasive samples (derived from experimental and field trials) impacts the accuracy of genetic measures, and also the effect of sampling intensity on these measures. We found that gNIS at small sample sizes (14% of population) can provide accurate population diversity measures, but slightly underestimated population inbreeding coefficients. Accurate measures of internal relatedness required at least 33% of the population to be sampled. Accurate geographic and genetic spatial autocorrelation analysis requires between 28% and 51% of the population to be sampled. We show that gNIS at low sample sizes can provide a powerful tool to aid conservation decision‐making and provide recommendations for researchers looking to apply these techniques to free‐ranging systems.

Transmission of Chlamydia pecorum infection has generally been assumed to be via the urogenital route and in an attempt to confirm this we investigated an in vitro method of Chlamydia infection using naturally infected koala semen to inoculate a cell line and attempt to estimate C. pecorum infectious load. A total of 57% of 122 koala semen samples had low C. pecorum copy number or no burden, while 18% of semen samples contained >10 000 inclusion-forming units/mL, as determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In vitro inoculation of a McCoy cell line resulted in successful infection from 4% of semen samples where C. pecorum burden was >105 inclusion-forming units/mL. Our preliminary study suggests that transmission of C. pecorum infectious dose may be restricted to peak bacterial shedding in semen associated with recent infection. Here, we report venereal transmission of C. pecorum in koala semen is possible; however, we speculate that antimicrobial factors and innate immune function receptors associated with semen may inhibit chlamydial growth. These mechanisms have yet to be reported in marsupial semen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The principal purpose of this study was to gain a greater understanding of the utilitarian and symbolic significance of koalas for Aboriginal communities in Queensland, Australia as recorded by colonists during the early period of colonization and the early twentieth century. It does this primarily through a close examination of the nineteenth-century and early twentieth-century archival records and contemporary publications that relate to Queensland Aboriginal peoples' associations with koalas. This paper is the third in a series investigating the historic and cultural importance of the koala according to the location in Australia. It likewise employs the historical method approach, which relies on identifying historical sources, evaluating their relative authority, and combining their testimony appropriately in order to construct an accurate and reliable picture of past events and environments. Through a critique of the published historical sources, the distribution of and the etymology of "koala" are briefly discussed before an examination is made of the animal's spiritual importance, associated cultural traditions, and simultaneous utilitarian role. Mirroring previous studies published by the authors on Victoria and New South Wales, we confirm that the predominately non-Aboriginal historical records reveal that koalas were hunted for food and their skin in some Queensland regions. It shall be seen that the ethno-historical records are inconclusive about the koala's distribution in Queensland, whether they were hunted across all of the state at the point of colonization and whether they were considered an integral food source in some regions. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that the extent to which they were used varied across regions and between language groups and was subject to certain rules, and that their spiritual significance can be traced directly to epic creation stories. The implications of this paper are consistent with the earlier New South Wales and Victorian studies: regional variations exist in Queensland in relation to the (pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial) historic relationship between Aboriginal communities and koalas and that close consultation with Aboriginal communities needs to be taken into consideration when planning conservation measures relating to koalas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The acquisition and maturation of the gastrointestinal microbiome is a crucial aspect of mammalian development, particularly for specialist herbivores such as the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). Joey koalas are thought to be inoculated with microorganisms by feeding on specialized maternal faeces (pap). We found that compared to faeces, pap has higher microbial density, higher microbial evenness and a higher proportion of rare taxa, which may facilitate the establishment of those taxa in joey koalas. We show that the microbiomes of captive joey koalas were on average more similar to those of their mothers than to other koalas, indicating strong maternal inheritance of the faecal microbiome, which can lead to intergenerational gut dysbiosis when the mother is ill. Directly after pap feeding, the joey koalas' microbiomes were enriched for milk‐associated bacteria including Bacteroides fragilis, suggesting a conserved role for this species across mammalian taxa. The joeys' microbiomes then changed slowly over 5 months to resemble those of adults by 1 year of age. The relative abundance of fibrolytic bacteria and genes involved in the degradation of plant cell walls also increased in the infants over this time, likely in response to an increased proportion of Eucalyptus leaves in their diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The platform of cross-border e-commerce has gained momentum in recent years. It is of paramount importance to fathom the factors influencing consumers' choice of the platform and the relationships among the underlying factors. Departing from the theoretical lens of perceived value and our comprehensive review of the literature, this paper proposes a selection model including four dimensions and twelve criteria of cross-border import e-commerce platform. We propose a multi-study approach, in which the DANP technique is leveraged to extract and analyze the influence of the relationships between dimensions and criteria to determine their weight; then we use the TOPSIS technique to further evaluate three cross-border import e-commerce platforms in China, including Tmall Global, Koala and JD Global, to validate our model. The results show that when consumers choose a cross-border import e-commerce platform, products and experience are the most salient elements, while services and risks are the effective elements, with the greatest impact of risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Free-ranging koalas generally feed at night; however, captive koalas are usually fed during the day in order to encourage activity for display purposes. We studied the temporal effect of feeding on body temperature of captive koalas in Queensland, to determine whether nocturnal feeding may be beneficial for koalas in warmer climates. Six adult koalas were implanted with thermal transmitters and data loggers, waxed together as a single package, to record internal body temperature. Koalas were exposed to two treatments: koalas were fed in the morning (between 0730 and 0830 hours) during the AM treatment or late afternoon (between 1700 and 1800 hours) for the PM treatment. The body temperature of koalas fed in the mornings was on average 0.5°C higher at its peak (P ≤ 0.01) when compared to koalas fed in the evening. Furthermore, the body temperature maxima of morning-fed koalas was reached ~2 h earlier in the afternoon, compared with those fed in the evening. There was no significant difference between behaviours associated with the two feeding regimes: inactivity (P = 0.840), feeding (P = 0.472) and activity (P = 0.634). We postulate that nocturnal feeding by koalas may be an adaptive mechanism that reduces diurnal heat load during times of high environmental temperatures. Koalas are particularly susceptible to climate change as they do not seek shelter in hollows or nests, and, as such, they lack ready means to escape extreme weather. Koalas in captivity are fed during the day so that visitors can observe them doing something other than sleeping. However, feeding koalas during the day could cause their body temperature to rise up to 1°C higher than if they were fed early evening; an implication which should be considered particularly during periods of high environmental temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Drones, or remotely piloted aircraft systems, equipped with thermal imaging technology (RPAS thermal imaging) have recently emerged as a powerful monitoring tool for koala populations. Before wide uptake of novel technologies by government, conservation practitioners and researchers, evidence of greater efficiency and costeffectiveness than with other available methods is required. Aims. We aimed to provide the first comprehensive analysis of the cost-effectiveness of RPAS thermal imaging for koala detection against two field-based methods, systematic spotlighting (Spotlight) and the refined diurnal radial search component of the spot-assessment technique (SAT). Methods. We conducted various economic comparisons, particularly comparative cost-effectiveness of RPAS thermal imaging, Spotlight and SAT for repeat surveys of a low-density koala population. We compared methods on costeffectiveness as well as long-term costs by using accumulating cost models. We also compared detection costs across population density using a predictive cost model. Key results. Despite substantial hardware, training and licensing costs at the outset (< A$49 900), RPAS thermal imaging surveys were cost-effective, detecting the highest number of koalas per dollar spent. Modelling also suggested that RPAS thermal imaging requires the lowest survey effort to detect koalas within the range of publicly available koala population densities (~ 0.006-18 koalas ha -1) and would provide long-term cost reductions across longitudinal monitoring programs. RPAS thermal imaging would also require the lowest average survey effort costs at a landscape scale (A$3.84 ha -1), providing a cost-effective tool across large spatial areas. Conclusions. Our analyses demonstrated drone thermal imaging technology as a cost-effective tool for conservation practitioners monitoring koala populations. Our analyses may also form the basis of decision-making tools to estimate survey effort or total program costs across any koala population density. Implications. Our novel approach offers a means to perform various economic comparisons of available survey techniques and guide investment decisions towards developing standardised koala monitoring approaches. Our results may assist stakeholders and policymakers to confidently invest in RPAS thermal imaging technology and achieve optimal conservation outcomes for koala populations, with standardised data collection delivered through evidence-based and cost-effective monitoring programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective conservation requires accurate data on population genetic diversity, inbreeding, and genetic structure. Increasingly, scientists are adopting genetic non‐invasive sampling (gNIS) as a cost‐effective population‐wide genetic monitoring approach. gNIS has, however, known limitations which may impact the accuracy of downstream genetic analyses. Here, using high‐quality single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data from blood/tissue sampling of a free‐ranging koala population (n = 430), we investigated how the reduced SNP panel size and call rate typical of genetic non‐invasive samples (derived from experimental and field trials) impacts the accuracy of genetic measures, and also the effect of sampling intensity on these measures. We found that gNIS at small sample sizes (14% of population) can provide accurate population diversity measures, but slightly underestimated population inbreeding coefficients. Accurate measures of internal relatedness required at least 33% of the population to be sampled. Accurate geographic and genetic spatial autocorrelation analysis requires between 28% and 51% of the population to be sampled. We show that gNIS at low sample sizes can provide a powerful tool to aid conservation decision‐making and provide recommendations for researchers looking to apply these techniques to free‐ranging systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A challenge for natural area managers is to ensure that public expenditure on land restoration is cost effective, efficient and transparent but this is difficult to achieve in practice, especially when there are many possible projects across multiple years. Here we develop a "roadmap" for investment in land restoration. It explicitly considers space, time and their interaction, in relation to ecological outcomes and restoration costs (and their variation in time and space). Using integer linear programming optimization in a benefit‐cost accounting framework, the roadmap incorporates: transitions between different stages of ecological recovery in a spatial mosaic of multiple ecosystem types; cost schedules associated with managing those transitions over time; time lags between beginning management and achieving outcomes; variations to constraints and goals associated with various factors including site accessibility, specific conservation priorities (such as threatened species or ecosystems); and background environmental trends. This approach enables land managers to: (1) forecast landscape‐scale outcomes of management strategies over long timeframes; (2) address the question of how long it will take and how much it will cost to achieve specific outcomes; and (3) explore potential trade‐offs in outcomes among alternative management strategies. We illustrate its application using a case study of forest restoration in Australia by a local government authority across a public conservation estate comprising 765 land units of varying size, totaling ˜13,000 ha, across five different floristic vegetation types, with an annual budget of ˜AU$5M, projected over a 50‐yr timeframe. These simulations revealed a trade‐off between management strategies that seek to increase either the total cover of native forest or the amount of high quality forest: quality‐based strategies were favored in scenarios in which shorter term (20–30 yr) timeframes were chosen at the outset, but cover‐based strategies were favored if longer time horizons were initially targeted. Projected outcomes were also strongly influenced by assumed background rates of vegetation decline or recovery. Many of the issues in this restoration roadmap are generalizable (even though specific outcomes and trade‐offs are likely to vary among case studies), and the approach is both scalable and transferable to other regions and ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal-based experiences are a significant feature of the attractions profile of many tourist destinations. The koala is an iconic species that plays an important role in Australian tourism, both symbolically and materially. Due to the species being endemic to Australia and its human baby-like qualities together with numerous and long-standing representations in popular culture, the koala has become an integral component of Australia's destination identity and subsequently deployed by government and industry bodies to promote Australia as an international tourist destination. The koala continues to play a major role in a variety of tourist experiences, with captive presentations the predominant form of contemporary koala-based tourism. Drawing on Beardsworth and Bryman's (2001) four modes of engagement with wild animals and utilising a historical and socio-cultural analytical approach, the paper examines the involvement of the koala in tourism through (i) representation via texts and images, (ii) presentation through captive exhibits, (iii) quasification through museum exhibits, souvenirs and koala sculpture trails and (iv) encounters in the wild. Anthropomorphic renderings of the koala appear to have been important in the construction of the koala as a tourist attraction as well as in its continued symbolic and material involvement in tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loss of habitat, urbanisation, climate change and its consequences are anthropogenic pressures that may cause stress in koalas. Non-invasive monitoring of faecal cortisol metabolites (FCMs) can be utilised to evaluate the impact of stressors. The aim was to determine if the tetrahydrocorticosterone (50c) and cortisol enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) could be effective in measuring FCM values in wild, stressed koalas. This research included 146 koalas from the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital (AZWH) and 88 from a study conducted by Endeavour Veterinary Ecology (EVE), Queensland, Australia. Faecal samples of diseased, injured and control koalas were analysed. The effect of hospitalisation on FCM values was also investigated. Diseased and injured koalas had significantly higher FCM values than clinically healthy control animals as measured by the 50c EIA. FCM values with the cortisol EIA differed significantly between control and diseased koalas, but not between control and injured ones. Moreover, only the 50c EIA detected higher absolute values in males compared to females, and also found that females showed a more elevated response to stress manifested by injury and disease compared to males. The 50c EIA detected stress during hospitalisation better than the cortisol EIA. The cortisol EIA was also found unreliable in detecting stress in rehabilitated koalas treated with synthetic glucocorticoids as it cross-reacts with these steroids providing artificially high values.

Background: Toxoplasma gondii infections are common in humans and animals worldwide. Among all intermediate hosts of T. gondii, captive marsupials from Australia and New Zealand are highly susceptible to clinical toxoplasmosis. However, most free-range marsupials establish chronic T. gondii infection. Infected marsupial meat may serve as a source of T. gondii infection for humans. Differences in mortality patterns in different species of kangaroos and other marsupials are not fully understood. Lifestyle, habitat, and the genotype of T. gondii are predicted to be risk factors. For example, koalas are rarely exposed to T. gondii because they live on treetops whereas wallabies on land are frequently exposed to infection. Methods: The present review summarizes worldwide information on the prevalence of clinical and subclinical infections, epidemiology, and genetic diversity of T. gondii infecting Australasian marsupials in their native habitat and among exported animals over the past decade. The role of genetic types of T. gondii and clinical disease is discussed. Results: Fatal toxoplasmosis has been diagnosed in captive Australasian marsupials in Argentina, Chile, China, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Spain, Turkey, and the USA. Most deaths occurred because of disseminated toxoplasmosis. Genetic characterization of T. gondii strains isolated from fatal marsupial infections identified Type III as well as atypical, nonclonal genotypes. Fatal toxoplasmosis was also diagnosed in free-ranging wombats (Vombatus ursinus) in Australia. Genetic characterization of DNA amplified directly from host tissues of subclinical culled kangaroos at slaughter identified many mixed-strain infections with both atypical and recombinant genotypes of T. gondii. Conclusions: Most Australasian marsupials in their native land, Australia and New Zealand, have high prevalence of T. gondii, and kangaroo meat can be a source of infection for humans if consumed uncooked/undercooked. The genotypes prevalent in kangaroos in Australia and New Zealand were genetically distinct from those isolated or genotyped from most macropods in the USA and other countries. Thus, clinical toxoplasmosis in marsupials imported from Australia is most likely to occur from infections acquired after importation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The koala, Phascolarctos cinereus, is an iconic Australian wildlife species facing a rapid decline in South‐East Queensland (SEQLD). For conservation planning, the ability to estimate the size of koala populations is crucial. Systematic surveys are the most common approach to estimate koala populations but because of their cost they are often restricted to small geographic areas and are conducted infrequently. Public interest and participation in the collection of koala sighting data is increasing in popularity, but such data are generally not used for population estimation. We modeled monthly sightings of koalas reported by members of the public from 1997 to 2013 in SEQLD by developing a self‐exciting spatio‐temporal point process model. This allowed us to account for characteristics that are associated with koala presence (which vary over both space and time) while accounting for detection bias in the koala sighting process and addressing spatial clustering of observations. The density of koalas varied spatially due to the heterogeneous nature of koala habitat in SEQLD, with a mean density of 0.0019 koalas per km2 over the study period. The percentage of land areas with very low densities (0–0.0005 koalas per km2) remained similar throughout the study period representing, on average, 66% of the total study area. The approach described in this paper provides a useful starting point to allow greater use to be made of incidental koala sighting data. We propose that the model presented here could be used to combine systematic koala survey data (which is spatially restricted, but more precise) with koala sighting data (which is incidental and often biased by nature, but often collected over large geographical areas). Our approach could also be adopted for modeling the density of other wildlife species where data is collected in the same manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Koala populations are currently in rapid decline across Australia, with infectious diseases being a contributing cause. The koala retrovirus (KoRV) is a gammaretrovirus present in both captive and wild koala colonies that presents an additional challenge for koala conservation in addition to habitat loss, climate change, and other factors. Currently, nine different subtypes (A to I) have been identified; however, KoRV genetic diversity analyses have been limited. KoRV is thought to be exogenously transmitted between individuals, with KoRV-A also being endogenous and transmitted through the germline. The mechanisms of exogenous KoRV transmission are yet to be extensively investigated. Here, deep sequencing was employed on 109 captive koalas of known pedigree, housed in two institutions from Southeast Queensland, to provide a detailed analysis of KoRV transmission dynamics and genetic diversity. The final dataset included 421 unique KoRV sequences, along with the finding of an additional subtype (KoRV-K). Our analysis suggests that exogenous transmission of KoRV occurs primarily between dam and joey, with evidence provided for multiple subtypes, including nonendogenized KoRV-A. No evidence of sexual transmission was observed, with mating partners found to share a similar number of sequences as unrelated koala pairs. Importantly, both distinct captive colonies showed similar trends. These findings indicate that breeding strategies or antiretroviral treatment of females could be employed as effective management approaches in combating KoRV transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This text analyzes the series Mofli, el último koala (1987) and the feature film Despertaferro, el grito del fuego (1990), two productions aimed at children and young people, directed by Jordi Amorós (Barcelona, 1945) within the EQUIP production company. Both were productions made in Spain, with notable time duration, and they accessed commercial distribution. Thanks to Amorós Mofli and Despertaferro had a similar composition in the team, which included relevant cartoonists from the so-called adult comic boom in the design of sets and characters. Among them were Enrique Ventura, Adolfo Usero or Marika Vila. The differences in approach in the two productions show the adaptation of EQUIP to different projects. In addition, the success of Mofli, el último koala could condition the approach of Despertaferro, el grito del fuego, both in terms of economic ambition and technical aspects, in which Amorós tested new technical proposals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Koalas are an Australian icon, and their existence is under threat. Environmental protection efforts that centre on people are needed, ensuring the human dimension is considered in conservation efforts aiming to protect wildlife. This article reports process and outcome evaluation results for a social marketing program that aimed to reduce dog and koala interactions. This project aimed to leverage pilot study outcomes. Specifically, the program sought to embed koala aversion (the ability for a dog to avoid koalas) skills within one local government area. A total of 2013 dog owners were surveyed to assess program outcomes, with improved dog abilities observed following city-wide program implementation. Further evidence of program success was indicated in the process evaluation. Dog trainers and dog owners were satisfied, willing to recommend the program to other people, and they were willing to attend events in future. Lessons learned, implications, limitations of the current study and future directions are outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radio‐frequency identification (RFID) tags represent some of the smallest animal‐borne technologies available. They are frequently used for understanding fine‐scale associations between animals and their environments. However, currently available devices are often prohibitively expensive or difficult to customise.We present 'WildWID', an open‐source radio‐frequency identification system that can be used for detecting encounters between tags and loggers and/or integrated into more advanced experimental set‐ups for triggering audio or visual playbacks following the detection of RFID tag codes. WildWID systems can be made using commercially available components (costing ~$20 USD for tags and ~$60 for loggers) and can be customised to fit project and species‐specific needs.WildWID tags have been deployed on a range of species including koalas Phascolarctos cinereus, lions Panthera leo and shy albatross Thalassarche cauta for a range of research topics, including the assessment of road‐crossing structures and species' responses to intraspecific competitors.WildWID is a cost‐effective RFID system that can increase the accessibility of this technology for a wider range of researchers and study questions. Its use provides researchers with opportunities to mitigate ethical concerns, for example, by customising systems for species‐specific conditions, and its customisability extends the range of applications where RFID systems can be used by field biologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Outbreaks of sarcoptic mange are sporadically reported in koala populations across Australia, but disease characteristics (e.g., distribution across the body) remain poorly understood. In an area of Northern Victoria regular cases coming into care suggest mange may have become enzootic, and here we characterise those koala mange admission records. In 18% (n = 10) of mange affected koala reports that had a recorded outcome (n = 55), the animals died before the carers could locate them, and of the remaining 45 koalas that were alive upon carer arrival, 80% (n = 36) had to be euthanised due to severe mange. The number of admissions varied among years (highest observed in 2019), and over 60% of affected koala admissions were male. Male admissions peaked in austral spring and again in late austral summer-autumn (mating and birthing seasons), with female admissions only exhibiting the latter peak (birthing season). Fissures of the epidermis of the front paws occurred in 100% of admitted koalas, with 70% also showing these signs elsewhere on ventral surfaces or limbs. Only male koalas had signs of mange on the chest and face, and only female koalas had signs of mange on their back. Collectively, this study suggests sarcoptic mange can be a severe disease in koalas, and that male koalas may play an important role in seasonal transmission dynamics. We discuss how these findings may help inform intervention strategies. [Display omitted] • This study sought to investigate the epidemiology of sarcoptic mange disease in a population of koalas in Northern Victoria retrospectively using detailed carer admission records. • Out of 45 koala admissions with sarcoptic mange that were alive when carers arrived, 80% (n = 36) of these had to be euthanised due to advanced mange. • Over 60% of koala mange admissions were male each year, and male admissions peaked in austral spring and again in late austral summer-autumn, with female admissions only exhibiting the latter peak. • There were different patterns of sarcoptic mange signs between male and female koala. • Collectively, this study suggests sarcoptic mange can be severe in koala, and that male koala may play an important role in seasonal transmission dynamics. Our findings may help to inform disease management plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the clearance of native forests and native vegetation for plantation establishment, otherwise known as forest conversion, in the state-owned plantations of New South Wales, Australia. It begins by describing Australia's forests, plantations, and forest conversion, continues with an outline of the history of public hardwood plantations in New South Wales, and explores the regulatory frameworks that allow this practice to happen, and the responses adopted by non-state environmental governance systems, notably forest certification, to address this problem. The paper presents a case study analysis of conversion in the hardwood plantations of northern NSW, and concludes that the current regulatory environment facilitates deforestation, with cumulative impacts at the landscape level, and that without government intervention, efforts to prevent this by non-state action will only be partially successful, leading to ongoing habitat and species loss. The failure of existing legislative and regulatory frameworks to adequately acknowledge, define, and prohibit conversion will remain an impediment to sustainable forest management, as the entry of such timber into the market contaminates supply chains, resulting in considerable reputation risk. Reform is needed in both public and private governance systems to ensure strong governance, effective planning, and ecosystem integrity at the landscape level. Recommendations are provided for policymakers. • A new methodology to identify original forest inside plantation areas via historical aerial imagery. • A detailed evaluation of a range of spatial datasets demonstrating the increase of plantation cover, potentially at the expense of native forest. • A case study identifying that forest conversion has occurred in public hardwood plantations managed by the Forestry Corporation of New South Wales. • There is an urgent need to undertake reform to ensure New South Wales does not fall foul of the EUDR, or the Glasgow Declaration. • More research is needed to determine how significant these conversion events are , and the impacts on flora and fauna, notably the koala. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To overcome shortcomings in discriminating Chlamydia pecorum strains infecting the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) at the local level, we developed a novel genotyping scheme for this pathogen to inform koala management at a fine-scale subpopulation level. We applied this scheme to two geographically distinct koala populations in New South Wales, Australia: the Liverpool Plains and the Southern Highlands to South-west Sydney (SHSWS). Our method provides greater resolution than traditional multi-locus sequence typing, and can be used to monitor strain emergence, movement, and divergence across a range of fragmented habitats. Within the Liverpool Plains population, suspected recent introduction of a novel strain was confirmed by an absence of genetic diversity at the earliest sampling events and limited diversity at recent sampling events. Across the partially fragmented agricultural landscape of the Liverpool Plains, diversity within a widespread sequence type suggests that this degree of fragmentation may hinder but not prevent spread. In the SHSWS population, our results suggest movement of a strain from the south, where diverse strains exist, into a previously Chlamydia -free area in the north, indicating the risk of expansion towards an adjacent Chlamydia -negative koala population in South-west Sydney. In the south of the SHSWS where koala subpopulations appear segregated, we found evidence of divergent strain evolution. Our tool can be used to infer the risks of strain introduction across fragmented habitats in population management, particularly through practices such as wildlife corridor constructions and translocations. • Novel local fine-scale typing tool for characterising Chlamydia pecorum strains. • Limited genetic diversity reflects recent strain emergence events. • Risk of strain movement and transmission across fragmented koala habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Differences between individuals in their gastrointestinal microbiomes can lead to variation in their ability to persist on particular diets. Koalas are dietary specialists, feeding almost exclusively on Eucalyptus foliage but many individuals will not feed on particular Eucalyptus species that are adequate food for other individuals, even when facing starvation. We undertook a faecal inoculation experiment to test whether a koala’s gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome influences their diet. Wild-caught koalas that initially fed on the preferred manna gum (Eucalyptus viminalis) were brought into captivity and orally inoculated with encapsulated material derived from faeces from koalas feeding on either the less preferred messmate (E. obliqua; treatment) or manna gum (control). Results The gastrointestinal microbiomes of wild koalas feeding primarily on manna gum were distinct from those feeding primarily on messmate. We found that the gastrointestinal microbiomes of koalas were unresponsive to dietary changes because the control koalas’ GI microbiomes did not change even when the nocturnal koalas were fed exclusively on messmate overnight. We showed that faecal inoculations can assist the GI microbiomes of koalas to change as the treatment koalas’ GI microbiomes became more similar to those of wild koalas feeding on messmate. There was no overall difference between the control and treatment koalas in the quantity of messmate they consumed. However, the greater the change in the koalas’ GI microbiomes, the more messmate they consumed after the inoculations had established. Conclusions The results suggest that dietary changes can only lead to changes in the GI microbiomes of koalas if the appropriate microbial species are present, and/or that the koala gastrointestinal microbiome influences diet selection.

Species distribution maps are important tools for wildlife conservation planning and management. To model koala distributions, usually, a spatially representative sample of koala populations is collected through systematic field surveys. Details of koala sightings collected by members of the public could potentially be used to develop species distribution models if appropriate analytical approaches are applied to address the inherent biases in such datasets. We developed a stepwise approach for applying bias correction techniques to estimate and map koala distributions. Using a Boosted regression tree approach, we modelled indirectly the search effort made by observers to identify or sight koalas. Land lot density (58%) and human population density (19%) had the strongest positive impact on the indirect search effort, while the distances to roads were negatively associated with the indirect search effort. To estimate the koala distribution across South-East Queensland, we then developed models describing koala habitat (environmental model), access to koala habitat (accessibility model) and the search effort (search effort model), with the latter including the indirect search effort covariate. Finally, we corrected the estimates derived from these models (bias-corrected search effort and accessibility model). Three independent statistical modelling approaches (Lasso penalty Poisson regression, Down-weighted Poisson regression, and Maximum entropy) were used to compare the five koala distribution models. Based on assessments of areas under curves, the predictive accuracy of models improved when area accessibility and search effort were included. Overall, the spatial extent of koala distributions increased in the prediction maps when models were corrected for accessibility and indirect search effort (except for Down-weighted Poisson regression).

The diets of individual animals within populations can differ, but few studies determine whether this is due to fundamental differences in preferences or capacities to eat specific foods, or to external influences such as dominance hierarchies or spatial variation in food availability. The distinction is important because different drivers of dietary specialisation are likely to have different impacts on the way in which animal populations respond to, for example, habitat modification. We used a captive feeding study to investigate the mechanisms driving individual dietary specialisation in a population of wild koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) in which individuals predominantly ate either Eucalyptus viminalis or Eucalyptus obliqua foliage. All six koalas that primarily ate E. viminalis in the wild avoided eating E. obliqua for more than 1 month in captivity. In contrast, all seven koalas that primarily ate E. obliqua could be maintained exclusively on this species in captivity, although they ate less from individual trees with higher foliar concentrations of unsubstituted B-ring flavanones (UBFs). Our results show that fundamental differences between individual animals allow some to exploit food resources that are less suitable for others. This could reduce competition for food, increase habitat carrying capacity, and is also likely to buffer the population against extinction in the face of habitat modification. The occurrence of fundamental individual specialisation within animal populations could also affect the perceived conservation value of different habitats, translocation or reintroduction success, and population dynamics. It should therefore be further investigated in other mammalian herbivore species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Koala retrovirus (KoRV), a major pathogen of koalas, exists in both endogenous (KoRV-A) and exogenous forms (KoRV-B to J). However, the impact of infection with multiple subtypes is not well understood. Accordingly, in this study, we surveyed a representative sample from a Japanese zoo population to determine the infection status for three KoRV subtypes (KoRV-A, B, and C) and to investigate the proviral and RNA load profiles in animals with single- and multiple-subtype infections, using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and plasma. Six koalas were evaluated in the study; all were infected with KoRV-A, and two koalas were coinfected with non-A subtypes (KoRV-B and/or KoRV-C). The highest KoRV total RNA and viral loads in PBMCs and plasma were found in a koala infected with multiple subtypes (KoRV-A, -B and -C). The other koala infected with multiple subtypes (KoRV-A and B) showed the highest proviral PBMC load but the lowest RNA copy number in PBMC and plasma. PBMCs from this animal were cultured for further investigation, and KoRV RNA was detected in the cells and culture supernatant after 7 and/or 14 days. The koalas harboring multiple subtypes had a higher white blood cell count than those harboring only KoRV-A and were judged to be leukemic, and they subsequently died due to lymphoma. Accordingly, we conclude that coinfection with multiple KoRV subtypes may be linked to more-severe disease. In a sequence alignment, the detected KoRV-A env gene showed 100% sequence identity to the reference gene, whereas the KoRV-B and -C env genes varied from their reference sequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS), or drone, technology has emerged as a promising survey method for the cryptic koala. We demonstrate an in-field protocol for wild koala RPAS surveys which provides real-time validation of thermal signatures. During 15 trial flights using a quadcopter drone (DJI Matrice 200 v2) we successfully detected and validated koala thermal signatures (n = 12) using two in-field approaches: validation by on-ground observer (n = 10) and validation using 4K footage captured and reviewed directly after the survey (n = 2). We also provide detectability considerations relative to survey time, temperature, wildlife–RPAS interactions and detection of non-target species, which can be used to further inform RPAS survey protocols. Koalas are cryptic and difficult to survey. Advancements in drone technology may allow a more efficient means to achieve this. Recent attempts at koala surveys with drones have used ex-situ processing to validate possible koalas. Here we demonstrate a survey method that combines the use of drone technology and in-field ecology to validate koala detections in-situ. Photograph by L. G. Howell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No endemic Madagascar animal with body mass >10 kg survived a relatively recent wave of extinction on the island. From morphological and isotopic analyses of skeletal "subfossil" remains we can reconstruct some of the biology and behavioral ecology of giant lemurs (primates; up to ~160 kg) and other extraordinary Malagasy megafauna that survived into the past millennium. Yet, much about the evolutionary biology of these now-extinct species remains unknown, along with persistent phylogenetic uncertainty in some cases. Thankfully, despite the challenges of DNA preservation in tropical and subtropical environments, technical advances have enabled the recovery of ancient DNA from some Malagasy subfossil specimens. Here, we present a nuclear genome sequence (~2x coverage) for one of the largest extinct lemurs, the koala lemur Megaladapis edwardsi (~85 kg). To support the testing of key phylogenetic and evolutionary hypotheses, we also generated high-coverage nuclear genomes for two extant lemurs, Eulemur rufifrons and Lepilemur mustelinus, and we aligned these sequences with previously published genomes for three other extant lemurs and 47 nonlemur vertebrates. Our phylogenetic results confirm that Megaladapis is most closely related to the extant Lemuridae (typified in our analysis by E. rufifrons) to the exclusion of L. mustelinus, which contradicts morphology-based phylogenies. Our evolutionary analyses identified significant convergent evolution between M. edwardsi and an extant folivore (a colobine monkey) and an herbivore (horse) in genes encoding proteins that function in plant toxin biodegradation and nutrient absorption. These results suggest that koala lemurs were highly adapted to a leaf-based diet, which may also explain their convergent craniodental morphology with the small-bodied folivore Lepilemur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most retroviral endogenization and host adaptation happened in the distant past, with the opportunity to study these processes as they occurred lost to time. An exception exists with the discovery that koala retrovirus (KoRV) has recently begun its endogenization into the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) genome. What makes this opportunity remarkable is the fact that Northern Australian koalas appear to be undergoing endogenization with one KoRV subtype (KoRV‐A), while all subtypes (KoRV‐A‐I) coexist exogenously, and Southern Australian koalas appear to carry all KoRV subtypes as an exogenous virus. To understand the distribution and relationship of all KoRV variants in koalas, the proviral KoRV envelope gene receptor binding domain was assessed across the koala's natural range. Examination of KoRV subtype‐specific proviral copy numbers per cell found that KoRV‐A proviral integration levels were consistent with endogenous incorporation in Northern Australia (southeast Queensland and northeast New South Wales) while revealing lower levels of KoRV‐A proviral integration (suggestive of exogenous incorporation) in southern regions (southeast New South Wales and Victoria). Phylogeographical analysis indicated that several major KoRV‐A variants were distributed uniformly across the country, while non‐KoRV‐A variants appeared to have undergone lineage diversification in geographically distinct regions. Further analysis of the major KoRV‐A variants revealed a distinct shift in variant proportions in southeast New South Wales, suggesting this as the geographical region where KoRV‐A transitions from being predominantly endogenous to exogenous in Australian koalas. Collectively, these findings advance both our understanding of KoRV in koalas and of retroviral endogenization and diversification in general. see also the Perspective by Elliott S. Chiu and Roderick B. Gagne. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although it is well established that chlamydial disease renders female koalas infertile, there has been limited research on its effects on male koala fertility, specifically sperm quality. This study determined whether chlamydial infection adversely affects semen quality of naturally infected koalas and spermatozoa recovered from Chlamydia negative koalas co-incubated in vitro with C. pecorum elementary bodies (EBs). Semen from 102 south-east Queensland sexually mature wild koalas exhibiting varying degrees of chlamydiosis and clinical signs of disease were assessed for semen quality and compared to 11 clinically healthy, Chlamydia -free captive male koalas. For in vitro studies, semen samples were collected from 6 Chlamydia -free captive koalas, and co-incubated over 24 h with high and low concentrations of C. pecorum EBs and sperm quality assessed. Wild koalas displaying severe signs of clinical disease with C. pecorum present in the semen had significantly greater sperm DNA damage (P = 0.0267). The total % of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa was highest in wild koalas that had severe signs of clinical disease but whose semen was negative for C. pecorum (P = 0.0328). This apparent contradiction is possibly associated with wild males having resolved the infection but still possessing underlining reproductive pathology. A higher incidence of loose head spermatozoa occurred in semen of wild koalas not infected with C. pecorum compared to those that were C. pecorum infected (P = 0.026). In vitro incubation of semen with C. pecorum significantly decreased sperm motility and viability over 24 h. • The effect of Chlamydia on semen quality of infected koalas and spermatozoa from non-infected koalas co-incubated in vitro with C. pecorum EBs. • Wild koalas displaying severe signs of clinical disease with C. pecorum present in the semen had significantly greater sperm DNA damage. • Total % of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa was highest in koalas that had severe signs of disease but whose semen was negative for C. pecorum. • A higher incidence of loose head spermatozoa occurred in semen of wild koalas not infected with C. pecorum. • In vitro incubation of semen with C. pecorum significantly decreased sperm motility and viability over 24h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to better understand urban koala populations and their tree-use patterns, it is widely acknowledged that more research is needed. This study provides an overview of the tree use patterns of koalas at the Mount Gravatt Outlook Reserve (MGOR) through the use of the Spot Assessment Technique (SAT) at 12 different sites, covering the five different regional ecosystems (REs) and the two koala habitat types present on the mountain. The findings of our study regarding the type of habitat in the reserve were compared with the information obtained from the RE maps and koala habitat mapping. We found very high koala activity levels throughout the MGOR. Main tree species used by koalas in the reserve were similar to those found in studies near Brisbane. We found some discrepancies between available maps and the results of our study, with many tree species non-existent in RE types they were said to be abundant in. This suggests that the accuracy of these maps could be improved. This work provides a greater understanding of the vegetation patterns at the MGOR and koala behaviour patterns at the reserve, and highlights further research opportunities in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historical hunting pressures on koalas in the southern part of their range in Australia have led to a marked genetic bottleneck when compared with their northern counterparts. There are a range of suspected genetic disorders such as testicular abnormalities, oxalate nephrosis and microcephaly reported at higher prevalence in these genetically restricted southern animals. This paper reports analysis of differential expression of genes from RNAseq of lymph nodes, SNPs present in genes and the fixation index (population differentiation due to genetic structure) of these SNPs from two populations, one in south east Queensland, representative of the northern genotype and one in the Mount Lofty Ranges South Australia, representative of the southern genotype. SNPs that differ between these two populations were significantly enriched in genes associated with brain diseases. Genes which were differentially expressed between the two populations included many associated with brain development or disease, and in addition a number associated with testicular development, including the androgen receptor. Finally, one of the 8 genes both differentially expressed and with a statistical difference in SNP frequency between populations was SLC26A6 (solute carrier family 26 member 6), an anion transporter that was upregulated in SA koalas and is associated with oxalate transport and calcium oxalate uroliths in humans. Together the differences in SNPs and gene expression described in this paper suggest an underlying genetic basis for several disorders commonly seen in southern Australian koalas, supporting the need for further research into the genetic basis of these conditions, and highlighting that genetic selection in managed populations may need to be considered in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Koala retrovirus (KoRV) exists in both endogenous and exogenous forms and has appeared as a major threat to koala health and conservation. Currently, there are twelve identified KoRV subtypes: an endogenous subtype (KoRV-A) and eleven exogenous subtypes (KoRV-B to -I, KoRV-K, -L, and -M). However, information about subtype-related immune responses in koalas against multiple KoRV infections is limited. In this study, we investigated KoRV-subtype (A, B, C, D, and F)-related immunophenotypic changes, including CD4, CD8b, IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-10 mRNA expression, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from captive koalas (n = 37) infected with multiple KoRV subtypes (KoRV-A to F) reared in seven Japanese zoos. Based on KoRV subtype infection profiles, no significant difference in CD4 and CD8b mRNA expression was observed in the study populations. Based on the different KoRV subtype infections, we found that the IFN-γ mRNA expression in koala PMBCs differs insignificantly (p = 0.0534). In addition, IL-6 and IL-10 mRNA expression also did not vary significantly in koala PBMCs based on KoRV subtype differences. We also investigated the Toll-like receptors (TLRs) response, including TLR2–10, and TLR13 mRNA in koala PBMCs infected with multiple KoRV subtypes. Significant differential expression of TLR5, 7, 9, 10, and 13 mRNA was observed in the PBMCs from koalas infected with different KoRV subtypes. Therefore, based on the findings of this study, it is assumed that co-infection of multiple KoRV subtypes might modify the host innate immune response, including IFN-γ and TLRs responses. However, to have a more clear understanding regarding the effect of multiple KoRV subtypes on host cytokines and TLR response and pathogenesis, further large-scale studies including the koalas negative for KoRV and koalas infected with other KoRV subtypes (KoRV-A to -I, KoRV-K, -L and -M) are required.

Summary: The Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) is an arboreal marsupial found throughout southeastern Australia. A high risk of extinction in some areas requires adherence to legislation mandating protection of high‐quality habitat. The Koala primarily eats leaves of the Eucalyptus genus and wildlife managers are, in most cases, currently dependent on habitat maps depicting food resource availability derived from low‐resolution regional‐extent (~100,000 hectares) vegetation maps. These maps might not capture resource variability at planning extents (0.1–300 ha), or at resolutions where Koala ecology processes operate (5–50 ha). Consequently, potentially high‐quality habitat may not be considered in planning decisions. Whether low‐resolution habitat mapping adequately captures food resource variability is therefore relevant to map users at non‐regional extents. We examined four different broad‐scale low‐resolution habitat maps within a small area (150 ha) in southeast Queensland and compared the classifications of each. Map units were generally ranked in the same hierarchical order; however, differences in methodologies meant that, between maps, some units varied widely in assigned habitat quality. Two maps were assessed using quantitative Queensland Herbarium data, and field data we collected. Assessment using overstorey species emphasised habitat quality differences between habitat map units better than the alternative whole‐of‐canopy method. Maps relying on interpretation of vegetation descriptions for habitat class definition sometimes overestimated food tree cover proportions and stakeholders need to be cognisant of these limitations. One method assigned Very Low Suitability to a 60‐ha focal study site containing evidence of Koala use, and we strongly recommend that field validation should be an integral part of habitat management at these scales. We conclude that, rather than mapping approaches encompassing several habitat attributes within a single map, layered datasets, each with specific attributes, would provide greater utility for stakeholders by allowing them to use layers individually or in combination as required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary actinomycosis is described in 17 South Australian koalas necropsied between 2016 and 2019. From these cases, four koalas had secondary hypertrophic osteopathy. Plain radiographical and computed tomography images demonstrated periosteal reaction on multiple appendicular skeletal bones in all cases, including scapula, humerus, ulna, radius, ilium, femur, tibia, fibula, metacarpus, metatarsus and phalanx. Grossly, periosteal surfaces of the metaphyses and diaphyses of long bones were thickened and roughened; microscopically, this was characterised by bi‐layered proliferation of well‐differentiated trabecular bony spicules oriented perpendicular to the cortex (pseudocortices) and separated by vascular connective tissue, typical for hypertrophic osteopathy. Well characterised in domestic species and rarely reported in marsupials, this is the first radiographical and pathological characterisation of hypertrophic osteopathy in koalas, associated with pulmonary actinomycosis in all cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]