Sniffer dog helps identify new group of chlamydia-free koalas using DNA in their faeces
A clever sniffer dog on the NSW mid-north coast has helped identify a new type of koala sub-species which aren't riddled with chlamydia.
Large swathes of the Australian marsupials are famously infected with the sexually transmitted disease (STD) and it's one of the leading causes of koala population decline.
Finding a group of chlamydia-free koalas is rare. However, Max the English springer spaniel struck gold in Coffs Harbour.
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Max the sniffer dog helped identify a new sub-species of Koala in Coffs Harbour. WWF-Australia
WWF Australia revealed Max, who is trained to sniff out koala excretement, identified a population of 10 koalas on properties in Fernbrook and around the Dorrigo Plateau which appear genetically different to other koalas.
Tests on the poo revealed the koalas found in Fernbrook are also chlamydia-free.
"For a koala researcher this is such an exciting result," Lynn Baker from Canines for Wildlife said.
"We knew the koalas at Fernbrook looked different. They are a lot furrier and darker in colour than their compatriots on the coast. They look like cold weather koalas."
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A baby koala found in Fernbrook, NSW. WWF-Australia
Baker added: "But if this is a genetically different and chlamydia-free group then it's important that they are protected.
"There are not many areas left in NSW that have distinct groups of chlamydia-free koalas."
Baker said the team is trying to figure out if there are more chlamydia-free koalas roaming the wild which may be connected to the group in Fernbrook.
The results have also highlighted the importance of reducing logging in state forests to protect the unique Australian marsupials.
A wider survey of koalas in the mid-north coast region found there is a generally healthy population with genetic diversity and low levels of chlamydia.
In NSW, infection rates can be as high as 100 per cent.
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Lynn Baker with detection dog Fen on private forest in Brierfield, NSW. © WWF-Australia / Headline Prod
WWF-Australia warns these koalas are in danger if their habitat continues to be logged.
"These surveys provide a picture of a robust, genetically healthy koala population, but that will change very quickly if we allow logging to knock down food trees and sever vital habitat corridors," said WWF conservation scientist Dr Stuart Blanch.
"The NSW Government should halt logging within the proposed national park and engage in sector wide transition planning towards sustainable timber plantations."
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