A new study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution has combined genomic research and Indigenous knowledge to enhance conservation efforts for the greater bilby, also known as Ninu (Macrotis lagotis), a culturally and ecologically significant marsupial native to Australia’s deserts. Led by Professor Carolyn Hogg, this collaborative effort involving Indigenous rangers and conservation managers has led to the decryption of the Ninu genome as well as the DNA sequence of the extinct lesser bilby (Yallara, Macrotis leucura).
Bilbies hold cultural importance for Indigenous Australians, with their common name derived from the Yuwaalaraay word “Bilba”, meaning long nosed rat. Various First Nations across Australia have different names for the bilby, but in this study, “Ninu” was used to represent the greater bilby. It is the name used by the Kiwirrkurra community, from which most of the wild samples were collected by their Indigenous rangers and local high school students. The term “Yallara” was used for the lesser bilby.
Bioplatforms Australia is proud to have partnered in this research by supporting genomic sequencing through the Oz Mammals Genomics initiative and enabling bioinformatics analytics via the Threatened Species Initiative. In addition to contributions from Indigenous rangers and local communities, museums and zoos, including Bioplatforms Australia’s partner Taronga Zoo, provided Ninu samples crucial to this activity. The Ninu reference genome is among the highest-quality marsupial genomes, and will enable us to obtain valuable insights into biology, evolution, and population dynamics.
DNA sequencing is key to informing conservation actions, conducting ecological assessments, and understanding the genetic diversity of Ninu’s populations. This research not only enhances scientific knowledge but also equips Indigenous rangers with the tools to monitor remote wild populations, ensuring the continued survival of this unique Australian marsupial.
You can read more about this brilliant research by following the link