Research

Innovative, targeted research is crucial to confronting the challenges threatening wild koala populations. Our work is a collaborative effort, bringing together leading experts to develop and implement strategies that turn the tide for native Australian wildlife

Koala Chlamydia Vaccine

Research Program

Chlamydia in koalas accounts for 4x more koala admissions at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital than those struck by vehicles or attacked by dogs

Our Koala Chlamydia Vaccine Research Program is a multidisciplinary project, combining immunology, polymer chemistry, and veterinary science to prevent the localised extinction of koalas in Queensland. This program is based on the foundational work of Professor Ken Beagley, who was instrumental in the creation of the Koala Chlamydia Vaccine more than 10 years ago

Our researchers are working to preserve the reproductive systems of koalas, which can be severely impacted by chlamydia, allowing them to continue repopulating for generations to come

Why is this research important?

Each year, Currumbin Wildlife Hospital admits almost 500 wild koalas, with a staggering 60% suffering from clinical koala diseases, like Chlamydia.

Sadly, many of these cases cannot be treated as they are too advanced for care, leading to the koala being euthanised after a full veterinary assessment. Even for treatable cases, at least a week week course of antibiotics is required, but complications are common and koalas are often hospitalised for up to 10 weeks to fully recover

Our goal is the development of a vaccine strategically targeted at young sub-adult koalas to reduce population incidence of chlamydial disease, thereby reversing koala population decline. This is a vital step in koala conservation.

Where is this research focused?

This project focuses on the Elanora koala population, as this has been identified as the most diseased population on the Gold Coast, with a concerning 88% of admitted koalas testing positive for chlamydia

In light of minimal habitat loss in the area, this sharp decline in population (the population has halved in 7 years) is highly likely linked to the severe levels of chlamydia, urgently requiring intervention to prevent local extinction

Computer modelling suggests vaccinating just 10% of the breeding population annually could be enough to significantly reduce infection and increase population numbers over a five-year period

Research Team

Dr Michael Pyne

Prof Ken Beagley

A.Prof Steve Johnston

Results

As a result of the program, since 2023 we’ve achieved…

koalas vaccinated

koalas tracked by GPS

healthy joeys born

Next Steps

Koala Chlamydia Vaccine Program

Looking ahead, our intention is to significantly expand the project to meet the goal of fully reversing population koala decline in the Elanora region. This expansion will focus on establishing a robust template for the successful vaccination of and care for a diseased koala population

Once proven, this vaccination template could then be applied to save other highly diseased koala populations throughout Queensland, New South Wales and other regions, offering a scalable solution to a nationwide crisis for protected animals in Australia

Koala Captive Breeding & Release

Research Program

Captive breeding and subsequent release of koalas in the wild presents unique challenges, often due to the species’ specific biological needs and nuances. As an example, koalas react differently to different gum tree species, dependent on their specific gut flora

This research aims to develop a smart-breeding template for wild koalas

This targeted approach ensures the best possible outcomes for each koala involved. Click below to learn about some of the methods we use

Genetic Matching

We use high-level genetic analysis to identify the most suitable breeding pairs, optimising health and genetic diversity

Assisted Reproduction

If natural mating isn’t successful, techniques like artificial insemination are employed to ensure breeding continues

Disease Prevention

All koalas prepared for release are vaccinated against chlamydia, providing crucial protection as they transition to the wild

Retrovirus Management

We meticulously assess the retrovirus status of koalas in the program, implementing techniques to prevent the transfer of this AIDS-like virus from mother to joey

Gut Microbiome Suitability

Before release, we ensure the koala’s gut microbiome is optimally suited for the specific flora of their specific koala habitat, crucial for their digestive health and survival

Post-Release Monitoring

We track koalas meticulously post-release, using GPS and other methods to monitor their progress and observe the long-term success of our breeding and release strategies

Breeding and releasing disease free koalas into suitable habitat will ensure the survival of the koala species