Koalas are one of the most iconic Australian animals. An estimated 61,000 koalas were caught in the 2019/2020 Australian bushfires and more than 5,000 died. Unless there is urgent human intervention and more research, studies have predicted that koalas could be extinct in NSW by 2050.

Genetic issues in koalas caused by inbreeding can lead to reproductive dysfunction and infertility, compromising survival rates, disease resistance and koalas’ ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Frozen sperm and IVF technology could increase genetic diversity and save our wild koalas from extinction.

Learn more about this ground-breaking approach from Dr Ryan Witt, a researcher in the University of Newcastle's School of Environmental and Life Sciences.

Dr Witt will also answer as many of your questions about koala research and conservation as time permits.

If you wish to support this amazing research, please go to newcastle.edu.au/koala-research-donation

About our presenter:

Dr Ryan Witt (Doctor of Philosophy, 2018; Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management (Hons), 2014; Bachelor of Environmental Science and management, 2012; Bachelor of Social Science (Recreation & Tourism), 2008) is a wildlife conservation scientist specialising in marsupial reproduction and reproductive technologies, marsupial ecology, and emerging drone-derived thermal imaging technologies for surveying for koalas and other cryptic species. As a Novocastrian, Dr Witt has a passion and interest in developing local and regional conservation projects for at-risk marsupial populations in the Hunter Region. He aims to deliver grassroots conservation research of international benefit that is aligned with the National Agenda across three contemporary spheres: drone-based thermal imaging, genome storage, and translocation science.
Dr Witt is currently a Postdoctoral Researcher and Honorary Lecturer in the College of Engineering, Science and Environment, and also holds a University Colour for his longstanding contribution to University of Newcastle Tennis.

About our moderator:

Dr Kira Mileham (Doctor of Philosophy, 2011; Bachelor of Science, 2006; Bachelor of Arts (Communication Studies), 2006) is a science communicator focused on species conservation through effective strategy and collaborative partnerships. As the Global Director of Strategic Partnerships for the IUCN Species Survival Commission, she is responsible for strengthening the efforts of IUCN SSC's network of 9,000 scientific species experts through partnerships with NGOs, zoos and aquariums, corporate partners and Government agencies. She holds degrees in Conservation Ecology, Public Relations and a PhD in human behavior change, program management and impact evaluation.
Dr Mileham sits as a formal advisor on the Council of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums as well as the Conservation Committees of most of the world’s regional Zoo and Aquarium Associations.

Contact the host of Koala Research Webinar - Dr Ryan Witt

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