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Eastern Quoll Reintroduced To Mainland Australia
The eastern quolls have been fitted with GPS tracking devices
A species of marsupial, the eastern quoll, has returned to the wild in mainland Australia for the first time in about half a century.
The native animals were once found along Australia's east coast until they were devastated by foxes.
About 20 eastern quolls from Tasmania were released into a national park in New South Wales (NSW) on Tuesday.
Wildlife authorities said the animals would be closely monitored, but stand "every chance of success" in the wild.
"This is the first time in Australia that a carnivore extinct on the mainland has been reintroduced to the wild," said WWF Australia spokesman Darren Grover.
The spotted species, about the size of a cat, survived in Tasmania and in captivity after they largely disappeared from NSW in the 1960s.
In 2016, eastern quolls were released into a fenced sanctuary near Canberra, but their reintroduction into the Booderee National Park on Tuesday marks their first return to the wild.
Authorities have removed many predators from the Booderee National Park
Dr Natasha Robinson, from the Australian National University, said the 20 animals would be monitored for three years via GPS tracking devices.
The movement of foxes would also be examined, following recent efforts to remove predators from the area.
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"This will help us understand how resilient the eastern quolls can be to very low densities of feral predators in the landscape," Dr Robinson said.
The programme, assisted by government funding, will also employ movement-sensitive cameras.
Two other native species, the long-nosed potoroo and the southern brown bandicoot, were also recently reintroduced to the national park.
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Fact Check: Yes, This Is A Real Photo Of A Fluorescent Marsupial
Claim:
A photograph shared to Reddit in September 2024 genuinely showed a fluorescing marsupial.
Rating:
Rating: True
A post shared to Reddit on Sept. 17, 2024, claimed to show a marsupial known as an eastern quoll as it fluoresced, or glowed, "under certain types of UV light." The post's author noted that the image was "captured in a wild encounter as part of an ongoing research project in Tasmania's southwest."
The photograph above was posted to Reddit by Benjamin Alldridge, whose website identifies him as an "occasional Pulitzer winner" and "award-winning space and nature photographer." Alldridge was also the 2024 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year.
It's possible that the photo was edited to emphasize the animal's fluorescent qualities, but it is otherwise authentic, and in general, it is true that quolls — and many other mammals — have been shown to fluoresce under light.
Paul Revie, a projects officer at the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland, told Snopes that research shows many animals, those from Australia included, have "fluorescing pellage patterns." Revie referred Snopes to a 2023 study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society of Queensland, which showed that northern quolls (scientific name Dasyurus hallucatus) and several smaller dasyurids display a mixture of fluorescing colors under ultraviolet (UV) light.
Based on the study, Revie says it's "likely that the other three Australian quolls also demonstrate fluorescence."
The study examined 148 wild mammals (mostly roadkill) for the presence of fluorescence in their fur. When a flashlight was shown on their fur, 95% of the mammal species examined from the Australian Wet Tropics had at least a low level of fluorescence, one of which was the quoll.
Briefly defined, fluorescence is the visible light and radiation emitted back after an object, such as fur, has absorbed certain wavelengths that give off an appearance of glowing.
According to the 2023 study, all marsupials displayed some level of fluorescence in their fur when exposed to UV or other wavelengths. Quolls and bandicoots displayed "stunningly bright pink fur."
"Nearly half of the quoll specimens, both male and female, displayed intense, strong, dark pink fluorescence throughout their fur, both in the brown flanks and through the white spots," wrote study author Linda Reinhold, a researcher at Australia's James Cook University who has tested other "glow in the dark" species.
"Some of the male quolls also had a yellowish green fluorescence on the sides of their necks/shoulders. The chest patch fluoresced bright lemon yellow, particularly in the fresh roadkill."
The characteristics in the quolls described above also match the fluorescing characteristics seen in the photograph on Reddit. Snopes contacted Alldridge for more information about how he captured the photograph in question and will update this article if a response is received.
Photoluminescence and fluorescence in fur were described in the 1700s and have been seen in mammals across landscapes in the centuries since. The characteristic is due to certain amino acids found in keratin, a protein found in hair, feathers and fur.
A 2023 study published in the Journal of Mammology also wrote that it's likely all mammal fur has "general low-level photoluminescence" due to the presence of keratin. And if that fur contains tryptophan metabolites or light-absorbing molecules known as porphyrins, fur will glow "luminously under ultraviolet light."
"It seems from the research that a wide range of terrestrial mammals express fluorescence, but as yet the functions and evolutionary purpose is unknown," said Revie.
"It may help individuals find other members of their own species from a distance for mating, or then again it could be an incidental property, with fluorescence being the default for hair unless it is heavily pigmented."
Similarly, researchers in 2020 described in the journal Mammalia fluorescence in platypus specimens that otherwise appear brown under visible light.
(Mammalia)
The Australian Government writes that the eastern quoll is an endangered species found in Tasmania, New South Wales, and Victoria. The medium-sized carnivorous marsupial is largely threatened by disease, fox predation, poisoning and "persecution."
Snopes also verified social media posts that claimed scientists in 2011 genetically modified cats such that they glow green under ultraviolet light.
Sources:"About." BENJAMIN ALLDRIDGE, https://www.Benjaminalldridge.Com/about. Accessed 29 Sept. 2024.
Catley, Nicky. "Winners: 2024 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year." Australian Geographic, 29 Aug. 2024, https://www.Australiangeographic.Com.Au/photography/2024/08/winners-2024-australian-geographic-nature-photographer-of-the-year/.
Glow in the Dark Rats Tested. 18 June 2024, https://www.Jcu.Edu.Au/news/releases/2024/june/glow-in-the-dark-rats-tested.
---. 18 June 2024, https://www.Jcu.Edu.Au/news/releases/2024/june/glow-in-the-dark-rats-tested.
MAIRAN, Jean Jacques DORTOUS DE. Dissertation sur la cause de la lumière des phosphores et des noctiluques. 1717.
Porphyrin - an OverviewScienceDirect Topics. Https://www.Sciencedirect.Com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/porphyrin. Accessed 29 Sept. 2024.
Study at James Cook University in Queensland - JCU Australia. 13 Sept. 2023, https://www.Jcu.Edu.Au.
Wildlife Preservation Society of QueenslandYour Voice for Your Wildlife. Https://wildlife.Org.Au/. Accessed 29 Sept. 2024.
Wilson, Benjamin. "A Series of Experiments Relating to Phosphori and the Prismatic Colours They Are Found to Exhibit in the Dark." (No Title). Cir.Nii.Ac.Jp, https://cir.Nii.Ac.Jp/crid/1130282272315680128. Accessed 29 Sept. 2024.
Colossal Launches The Colossal Foundation With $50M For 'BioVault' Biobanking, Genetic Rescues, And More
The world's first "de-extinction" company, Dallas-based Colossal Biosciences, has formed The Colossal Foundation, announcing $50 million in new funding and the initial flagship projects in its conservation agenda—including Colossal Biovault, "the world's largest distributed biobanking initiative."
That biobanking effort is a hot topic these days. According to The Guardian, an international team of experts recently proposed to put a vault on the Moon filled with preserved bio-samples of our world's most at-risk creatures. Colossal's chief science officer, Beth Shapiro, was interviewed for the story.
The Colossal Foundation is a North Texas-based 501(c)(3) focused on the real-world application of Colossal-developed science and technology innovations. It will focus on partner-led conservation initiatives where Colossal's science and technologies can quickly revolutionize wildlife conservation and ecosystem restoration, the organization said.
Colossal co-founder and CEO Ben Lamm. [Photo: Colossal]
"We started The Colossal Foundation to ensure that we are delivering our technology solutions into the hands of those who can benefit the most," Dallas-based Colossal co-founder and CEO Ben Lamm said in a statement. "The Colossal Foundation further expands our capacity to get our technologies into the world as fast as possible and brings new, much-needed funding to conservation while empowering the modernization of the tools. We envision a future where conservation efforts are proactive, innovative, and impactful because of the application of these emerging technologies."
Colossal previously announced plans to "de-extinct" the woolly mammoth via an elephant-mammoth hybrid, as well as to bring back the Tasmanian tiger. And the famously extinct dodo bird. Its investors include everyone from the CIA to Paris Hilton to a long list of VC firms and billionaires like tech investor and USIT Chairman Thomas Tull.
Colossal previously announced plans to "de-extinct" the woolly mammoth. [Illustration: Colossal]
The foundation's initial focusColossal said that as part of a 10-year conservation strategic plan developed with its conservation partners, the Colossal Foundation will fund and deploy new technologies in partnership with local communities.
It said that the foundation, in partnership with local stakeholders, will select species where the technologies can be best deployed, and then co-create initiatives with local partners for the conservation of the species. The foundation said that together the organizations will focus on species that can benefit from genetic rescue, biobanking, and the creation and use of reference genomes.
Colossal said that additional focus will be on accelerating species adaptation, creating genetic resilience through biotechnology, finding lost species, and utilizing technological advancements including AI, machine learning, and computational biology to enhance our understanding of animal behavior and ecosystems.
Colossal Chief Science Officer Beth Shapiro, PhD [Photo: Colossal]
Colossal said that the foundation is launching with three core programmatic focuses:
The foundation's Matt James with a friend in the wild. [Photo: Colossal]
"The short story is that conservation needs powerful and committed allies," Colossal Foundation Executive Director Matt James said in a statement. "We are here to be that ally. There is no more time to wait to protect the species we have on Earth today if we want to make sure they are still here in 10, 50 and 500 years."
The foundation announced four new conservation projects today:
Saving vaquitas in the Gulf of CaliforniaVaquitas, a porpoise endemic to the Sea of Cortez/Gulf of California in Baja California, Mexico and the smallest of all living cetaceans, is on the brink of extinction. As of May 2023, only between 10 and 13 vaquitas remain. Colossal said the loss of the vaquita could be a harbinger of further declines in the Gulf's marine ecosystems, and the extinction of the vaquita would represent a cultural and symbolic loss.
Colossal, in partnership with the Vaquita Monitoring Group and in support of the Mexican government's La Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (CONANP), said it believes that there are low-impact technical solutions that can be used to safely biobank the existing animals while also helping to grow the vaquita population. Colossal has additional details on the projects supporting the vaquita that will be announced at a later date.
Jesus Francisco Soto Rosas, leader of the Vaquita Marina Visual Monitoring Team, said that the vaquita "occupies a crucial place in our community." As an endemic and endangered species, it requires special care and attention to ensure its conservation, he noted and added that the goal is to "transform our environment into a favorable and sustainable habitat."
He expressed hope for the future.
"My vision regarding the protection of this species is one of great dedication, because like all living beings, the vaquita deserves to live in peace, without factors that threaten its survival, Sota Rosas said. "It is essential to provide them with a well-preserved and adequate environment, and to have a community committed to making positive changes in the face of environmental challenges. The commitment of each member of our team reflects the strength and intention with which we work daily."
He also said that outside support, like that of Colossal, can turn the tide.
"Establishing collaborations and receiving support is vital to maintaining our strength, as these bonds reinforce our efforts and allow us to make progress in areas where we were previously stalled," Sota Rosa said. "Resources for materials and supplies are essential, but as we move forward, new needs arise. With the support of the Colossal Foundation, we will be able to continue operating without interruptions and work throughout the year, maximizing our chances of success."
Bolstering the Sumatran Rhino populationColossal said that fewer than 80 Sumatran rhinos survive in tiny, fragmented populations across the Indonesian islands of Sumatra and Borneo. It said that recent births as part of the national conservation breeding program have boosted the captive population and brought new hope for the survival of this species.
Last year, Colossal facilitated a meeting with Sumatran rhino conservation stakeholders from around the world to create a coordinated plan of action to use advanced assisted reproductive technologies to grow the imperiled population. Now, the Colossal Foundation will carry that work forward by supporting the Indonesian government's work to breed Sumatran rhinos under their national conservation breeding program, transfer Colossal de-extinction technologies and skills to its local partner, Bogor Agricultural University, to advance their efforts on assisted reproductive technologies to enhance the population, and provide genetic and genomic sequencing support.
"The advanced technology, training, and funding support that the Colossal Foundation is promising for the conservation of the Sumatran rhino is an important support to Indonesia's efforts to save and recover this magnificent species," Dr. (Vet.) Muhammad Agil, MSc.Agr., Dipl.ACCM and team leader of ART and Biobank for Endangered Wildlife Species, IPB University, said in a statement. "In collaboration with Global Experts on the advance Assisted Reproductive Technology (a-ART) and Biobank program for the species, IPB University is excited to work with Colossal for the transfer of skills and technology to Indonesia, under our partnership agreement."
The world's largest distributed biobanking initiativeThe company said that the Colossal BioVault is an initiative, in partnership with Re:wild and others, to collect the primary materials needed to prevent extinction. It said that by collecting tissue samples of the world's most imperiled species in the Colossal BioVault, the foundation intends to preserve and store biodiversity. The organization said it hopes to simplify the process for researchers and academics who need access to vital samples of endangered species, while making the cell lines accessible to and stored in in-country partner facilities. Colossal said that the BioVault is an effort to improve biobanking efforts worldwide, to preserve more species' tissues, and to improve the way those samples are shared with research experts in the field.
Restoring the Ivory-Billed WoodpeckerThe Ivory-billed woodpecker was a keystone species in its native habitats as they played a crucial role in creating habitats for other woodland wildlife, like the Northern Saw-Whet Owl or Wood Ducks. The woodpecker, however, experienced a severe decline in the 1800s because of the destruction of its forest habitation and only small numbers survived into the 20th century. By the middle of the century, it was thought to have gone extinct, but the ivory-billed woodpecker was rediscovered in Arkansas in 2004, Colossal said. However, since that time it has not been relocated. The Colossal Foundation in partnership with local organizations, Colossal's Avian Genomics Group, and private philanthropists are committed to returning the powerful and pivotal bird.
Beginning in 2025, the process to understand its status and to begin gathering and analyzing DNA to understand the journey forward for de-extinction and future reintroduction will begin. Colossal said that this work is key to creating a roadmap towards reintroduction.
Other key goalsThe Colossal Foundation said it will expand on the work already undertaken by the company and continue to provide financial support, technology products, and opportunities for local partners who are fighting to support critically endangered species.
That includes Colossal's current work supporting the sequencing of the elephant genomes with the Vertebrate Genomes Project and Rockefeller University, provision of grants to the International Elephant Foundation for sequencing of the Asian Elephant genome, and more.
On top of the secured $50 million in new funding, the Colossal Foundation will continue to raise reserves to fund and collaborate on new projects and scale the scope to more target species over the next 10 years. It said that there are plans in place to develop partnerships with a variety of mission-aligned organizations to support efforts to prevent extinction and recover and strengthen wildlife populations of threatened species.
Colossal was founded by Lamm, an emerging technology and software entrepreneur, and world-renowned geneticist and serial biotech entrepreneur George Church, Ph.D., and is the first to apply CRISPR technology for the purposes of species de-extinction.
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R E A D N E X TThe committee will provide a "crucial public body" for the discussion, development, and dissemination of plans related to Colossal's planned "de-extinction" and rewilding of the Tasmanian tiger—a slim, striped keystone species that was native to Australia, Tasmania, and New Guinea before being hunted to extinction some 100 years ago.
Colossal Biosciences and production partner Teton Ridge Entertainment have signed with James Reed, director of the Oscar-winning Netflix documentary "My Octopus Teacher," and his company Underdog Films, to produce the docuseries.
OK, it may not be as big—or as fire-breathing—as the dragons that swooped over Westeros on "Game of Thrones." But Australia's Victorian Grassland Earless Dragon is every bit as magical for simply hanging in there, decades after many thought it was extinct. Now Texas-based Colossal Biosciences is partnering to help preserve it—and sequence its genome.
Colossal Biosciences' academic investments include partnerships with Stockholm University, the University of Potsdam, the University of California Santa Cruz, the University of Alaska, McMaster University, University of Copenhagen, and Rowan University, among others.
Long's Austin-based Re:wild and Dallas-based Colossal Biosciences have announced a new partnership to accelerate global efforts "to save species on the brink of extinction, search for lost species, and restore key habitats for species recovery and rewilding."
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