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Health & Science2h 15m ago
A new study of koala DNA reveals their numbers crashed approximately 100,000 years ago, long before humans arrived in Australia, with climate change identified as the primary cause.
Australia, eastern Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory
Who
scientists at the University of Sydney and Texas A&M University, led by Toby Kovacs
What
A new study of koala DNA reveals their numbers crashed approximately 100,000 years ago, long before humans arrived in Australia, with climate change identified as the primary cause.
When
Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:56:15 GMT · 2h 15m ago
Where
Australia, eastern Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory ·
Why
The study utilized koala DNA mutation rates to trace their population history, finding that climate change and habitat loss caused major declines before human impact.
The Frontline Impact
How this affects you
This research redefines the historical understanding of koala population dynamics, providing critical context for current conservation efforts that target human-caused threats like habitat loss and bushfires. The methodology can also inform strategies for protecting other Australian species.
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