A University of Queensland-led project, funded by the Queensland Government’s Community Sustainability Actions Grant program, will develop the world’s first test kit to measure stress levels of koalas via their droppings.
The project, led by Professor Joerg Henning from UQ’s School of Veterinary Science in collaboration with researchers from the University of Veterinary Medicine (Vienna) and CQUniversity, will build on previous research to help improve koala health.
“Our previous investigations helped identify what koala-specific chemicals are the best indicators for stress in koalas,” Professor Henning said.
“Now, we’re embracing the next step in our research and developing a koala-specific test kit to measure stress levels in this iconic Aussie species.
“The koala-specific test kit we will develop will transform the way stress of koalas living in the wild, being admitted to wildlife hospitals and in zoos across the world is being assessed.
“It will allow us to measure stress in koalas living in the wild, in captivity and those admitted to veterinary hospitals in a non-invasive way.”
Professor Henning said another benefit is that it will inform a broad range of policies.
“It will inform koala conservation policies by ascertaining the effects of a specific stressor, while also providing crucial information for stress management of koalas during hospitalisation and rehabilitation processes,” he said.
UQ and CQU researcher, Dr Flavia Santamaria, said, for koalas, stress responses are directly linked to the environment they live in.
“These stressors could be the result of urban developments, diseases, injuries or a shortage of food,” she said.
“Collecting koala droppings under trees is a stress-free way to obtain samples of koalas without disturbing them.
“In addition to being less invasive for the koalas, it’s also a simpler method for researchers, so it’s a win-win.”
The samples will be collected from selected properties across South-East Queensland.
“We are working with the Lockyer Uplands Catchments Inc. and the Friends of Gormans Gap, to assist us with the collections,” Professor Henning said.
“We’re lucky to have their support – it’s a great community to work with.”
More information on this and other projects funded by the Queensland Government can be found online.
Media: Dr Flavia Santamaria , f.santamaria@uq.edu.au , +61 419 544 017; UQ Faculty of Science Media, science.media@uq.edu.au, +61 438 162 687.
