The bilby, an Australian native marsupial known for its large ears and stretched snout, has a unique genetic structure that sets it apart from other mammals. A team of researchers from the University of Sydney, led by Professor Carolyn Hogg, recently sequenced the bilby’s genome for the first time. The bilby genome is the largest of any marsupial, with 3.66 billion pieces. This genetic blueprint is a treasure trove of information that scientists can use to understand the unique aspects of bilbies, particularly their remarkable sense of smell.
The bilby’s large genome may be attributed to its evolution of an exceptional sense of smell. As desert dwellers that hunt for grubs and seeds, the bilby plays a vital role in the ecosystem by aerating the soil. The genetic sequence reveals the existence of all 115 genes found in the human uterus that contribute to producing a placenta, further underscoring the bilby’s genomic complexity.
This genetic research is crucial for the conservation efforts to save the bilby, as their population has dwindled significantly due to habitat loss and competition from introduced species like cats, foxes, and rabbits. With the genetic blueprint, researchers can target their efforts more effectively, such as selecting individuals for translocation and release to improve the population’s adaptability in a changing environment.
Not only is the genome beneficial in managing bilbies in protected sanctuaries and islands, but it also aids in the development of methods to track and assess bilby populations in the wild. A technique to monitor bilby populations using their scat has been significantly advanced by the genome sequencing, making it possible to understand the dynamics of wild bilby populations more accurately. The DNA work also assists in determining the relatedness and travel patterns of bilbies. Ranger Scott West of the Kiwirrkurra Indigenous Protected Area in Western Australia stressed the importance of these tools for maintaining and studying bilby populations in the wild.
