Population Collapse

1 article

A vulnerable koala perched on a eucalyptus branch, its expression conveying the challenges of population decline and genetic fragility in its species.

Koalas Crashed Once Before: Genomic Study Dates a 100,000-Year-Old Population Collapse

A genomic study reveals koalas suffered a severe population collapse around 100,000 years ago, driven by climate upheaval before humans arrived in Australia. Modern koalas descend from a single surviving population, and understanding this ancient history is key to addressing current human-caused threats.

Dr. Elena Ortiz·June 9, 2026