Anatomy of the Female Koala Reproductive Tract

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The koala has recently been listed as an endangered species in the northern part of its range where it faces significant challenges associated with habitat fragmentation, climate change, and disease. Fundamental to its conservation is a detailed knowledge of its reproductive system, particularly with respect to what represents normal anatomy and/or pathology. In order to conserve we must first understand. This article brings together findings from two PhD theses that provide a detailed description of the female koala reproductive anatomy and histology through different presumptive stages of the reproductive cycle. ABSTRACT: The koala (Phascolarctos cinereus), while being an iconic Australian marsupial, has recently been listed as endangered. To establish an improved understanding of normal reproductive anatomy, this paper brings together unpublished research which has approached the topic from two perspectives: (1) the establishment of an artificial insemination program, and (2) the definition of Chlamydia spp.-derived histopathological changes of the female koala urogenital system. Based on the presentation and histological processing of over 70 opportunistic specimens, recovered from wildlife hospitals in Southeast Queensland (Australia), we describe the gross and microanatomy of the koala ovary, oviduct, uteri, vaginal complex, and urogenital sinus during the interestrous, proliferative, and luteal phases of the reproductive cycle.