DNA from 457 koalas suggests the species nearly went extinct 100,000 years ago, before humans reached Australia
Approximately 100,000 years ago, koalas faced near extinction due to brutal ice ages. A recent genetic study triumphantly highlights that this crisis occurred well before humans populated Australia. By examining koala genomes, scientists have beautifully illustrated how climate shifts triggered significant declines in their population. Presently, however, modern threats stem largely from human activities, underscoring the urgent need for dedicated conservation measures.
Approximately 100,000 years ago, koalas faced near extinction due to brutal ice ages. A recent genetic study triumphantly highlights that this crisis occurred well before humans populated Australia. By examining koala genomes, scientists have beautifully illustrated how climate shifts triggered significant declines in their population. Presently, however, modern threats stem largely from human activities, underscoring the urgent need for dedicated conservation measures.
