News Animals

A common kitchen tool could help koala conservation

Scientists collected DNA left by the marsupials using cheesecloth and a fan

A koala in a tree

Koala populations are declining. To track the species in their natural habitats, scientists in Australia are turning to airborne DNA.

Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images

By Kristel Tjandra

Known for their fluffy ears, round faces and big black noses, koalas spend most of their time snoozing in the canopies of eucalypt forests.