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. 

Sources
The Hindu 
Wildlife 
Latimes