Australian scientists have successfully produced the world’s first kangaroo embryo using in vitro fertilisation (IVF), a significant milestone that could aid in preventing the extinction of endangered species.
The researchers, led by Andres Gambini, injected a single sperm cell into an egg from an eastern grey kangaroo, though achieving a live birth will require further technical advancements.
The breakthrough offers crucial insights into marsupial breeding and may help improve the genetic diversity of endangered species such as the koala, Tasmanian devil, and northern hairy-nosed wombat.
The experiment, conducted at the University of Queensland, used a method called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), previously used in humans and domestic animals.
This technique, although successful in kangaroos that had died, is a step toward refining methods for preserving genetic material from marsupial species.
IVF has already been used in other endangered species globally, such as rhinos and donkeys, and could play a vital role in preserving Australia’s unique biodiversity.
