Reproductive and Population Ecology of Koalas

Koalas have always been charismatic ambassadors for conservation. The Zoological Society of San Diego maintains the largest breeding colony of koalas outside Australia and has long been a leader in their captive management. In 2006, Dr. Bill Ellis embarked on a field study of the reproductive and population ecology of koalas on St. Bees Island in Australia. His work is being undertaken through a partnership between the Zoological Society and the Centre for Environmental Management of Central Queensland University, under the direction of Dr. Alistair Melzer.

The primary goal of this study is to establish a more solid scientific understanding of how foraging strategies influence reproductive success of koalas in the wild. The research program will create stronger links with the Australian scientific community, assist in the design of conservation management plans, and help raise public awareness in San Diego of the plight of koala populations in the wild.

Although koalas specialize on eucalyptus leaves, they have distinct feeding preferences that are not well understood, and the possible links between foraging and reproductive strategies is a mystery. This fellowship will help the San Diego Zoo's CRES address key questions such as understanding how the distribution of food resources affects reproduction, how reproductive status influences feeding and ranging behavior, and how mate choice and competition affect the genetic structure of the island population. Our ultimate goal is to provide extensive scientific guidelines and recommendations for enhancing conservation management plans in Australia.

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Acoustic Communication in Koalas
Read blogs from Dr. Ellis in the CRES category of our blog section