A review of the Darling Downs 2024 Koala Population Study was recently held in Pittsworth and revealed three separate koala ‘clusters’ on the Downs identified through DNA testing of scat samples.
A total of 91 out of 104 samples collected over an eight month period were used as part of the study.
The genetic analysis identified three genetic clusters in the Toowoomba area including SEQ-07, in and immediately south of Toowoomba city, including parts of Top Camp and Preston.
The other two genetic clusters were SEQ-08, including Pittsworth, Linthorpe, Irongate and Aubigny and SEQ-09, immediately north of Toowoomba city, including Crows Nest, Goombungee and Highfields.
Koala study scientist Dr Fiona Hogan said the genetic diversity in the Darling Downs koalas was found to be relatively high, with notable variation in allelic richness between the three genetic clusters.
Allelic richness refers to the genetic diversity of a population – a higher allelic richness is associated with well-connected populations that can move and interbreed freely, whereas reduced allelic richness signals habitat fragmentation and isolation. Although our region showed a lower allelic richness in comparison to other regions, it was still considered high for the species.
While Darling Downs koalas are relatively healthy, their geographic and genetic fragmentation leaves them highly susceptible to local extinctions.
CAPTION Koalas living in Toowoomba and the area to its south, including parts of Preston and Top Camp, are part of a genetic cluster.
This article appeared in On Our Selection News, 13 March 2025.
