At the end of 2023, you so graciously helped us raise funds for a critically important research project: A National Bilby Genome Project.
The bilby was genetically profiled for the first time in 2021, which gave us the genome. That is the entire set of genetic instructions for making and growing a bilby. The bilby genome is incredibly complex – with 3.7 billion pieces of genetic code.
We used to have to invasively take a sample of tissue from their ears to profile their DNA; which is mighty hard considering they are nocturnal and spend most of their days deep underground. So we had trouble finding and capturing them.
However recent technological advances mean we can now extract DNA from bilby droppings/poop/scat. This is much easier to find! We will be collecting scat samples from wild bilbies as well as those in managed sanctuaries.
This is a national project, and we are working together with:
- The Greater Bilby National Team
- The University of Sydney
- Deadly Science
- Taronga Conservation Society of Australia
- The Greater Bilby Management Subcommittee
- The Greater Bilby scientific working group
- Rachel Paltridge, Indigenous Desert Alliance
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA)