Australia unveils test-tube koalas

Sydney, Oct 30: Australian scientists unveiled three test-tube koala joeys today as part of an artificial insemination programme to preserve the vulnerable mammal.

The scientists said the programme would lead to the creation of the world's first koala sperm bank, which will enable researchers to screen out koala diseases.

Scientists from the University of Queensland said a total of 12 koala joeys were produced using test-tube insemination.

The koalas were conceived using a new breeding technology that uses sperm mixed with a special solution to prolong the sperm's shelf-life, said Steve Johnston, the project leader and University of Queensland reproductive biologist.

''Eight of the 12 current test-tube joeys were born following the artificial insemination of freshly diluted sperm samples,'' Johnston said in a statement. ''The next vital step is the use of chilled sperm and then thawed frozen sperm from the sperm bank.'' The koala is not classified as an endangered species but it is listed as vulnerable to extinction in parts of two Australian states, Queensland and New South Wales.

Johnston said the koala sperm bank would enable a genetic background check of each koala, screening for koala diseases such as chlamydia, a parasitic bacteria, and management of the genetic diversity of koala populations.

''We don't want to claim the technique as the solution to koala conservation but more of a tool for genetic management and animal welfare, an extra insurance policy,'' said Johnston.

The koala insemination programme is a joint project between the University of Queenaland, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Dreamworld, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, David Fleay's Wildlife Park and the Zoological Society of London.

Reuters