SYLLABUS
GS-3: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Context:
Recently, Australia approved the world’s first vaccine to save koalas from Chlamydia infections.
About the Vaccine
- Australia’s veterinary medicine regulator has approved a vaccine to protect Australia’s iconic endangered native species Koala from Chlamydia infections, which cause infertility and death.
- The single-dose vaccine was developed by the University of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland after more than a decade of research
- The vaccine can now be administered in wildlife hospitals and veterinary clinics to help conserve the population of Koalas.
- The research showed the vaccine reduced the likelihood of koalas developing symptoms of Chlamydia during breeding age and decreased mortality from the disease in wild populations by at least 65%.
Chlamydia Infections
- Chlamydial infections are sexually transmitted infections (STIs)] caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.
- Chlamydia can cause urinary tract infections, infertility, blindness and death.
- It is often asymptomatic but curable with antibiotics, though untreated infections can lead to serious health problems.
- Chlamydiosis has the potential to cause significant population declines, when combined with other pressures, particularly in naïve Koala population.
About Koala
- Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus): It is a tree-dwelling marsupial native to Australia and is closely related to the wombat, inhabiting eucalyptus forests.
- Appearance and Adaptations: Medium-sized, grey brown fur with white patches, large ears, flat nose, two opposable thumbs, sharp claws, strong limbs, no visible tail.
- Diet & Behaviour: Their diet consists almost exclusively of eucalyptus leaves, which are low in nutrients. To conserve energy, koalas sleep or remain inactive for more than 20 hours a day.
- Nocturnal: Koalas are largely nocturnal, engaging in feeding, mating, and travelling during the night. Grooming activities are carried out during the day, and they are capable swimmers when required.
- Reproduction: Breeding season occurs in late spring and young ones are called joeys that stay 7 months in pouch, then ride mother’s back until one year.
- Conservation: IUCN status is Vulnerable and threats include habitat loss, vehicle collisions, dog attacks. Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection, restoration, and awareness campaigns.