What are gene drives, and how can they help eradicate invasive species in Australia?
From ABC News (28/11/23)…
What are gene drives, and how can they help eradicate invasive species in Australia?
A few years ago, as dusk descended in Victoria’s Great Otway National Park, I left my campsite, torch at the ready.
I was on the lookout for little marsupials emerging to start their night-time foraging.
Instead, I was confronted with the glowing eyes of a feral cat among the ferns.
We were probably out looking for the same thing.
The impact of feral cats and other invasive species is felt across Australia. Not only do they threaten native species, but they can also spread diseases to humans and livestock.
Invasive species are estimated to cost Australia an eye-watering $25 billion annually, while the global cost is a staggering $423 billion.
One species consistently tops the list as “Australia’s worst”: feral cats.
What is a gene drive?
All living organisms store genetic information in their cells as long strands of DNA. Sections of these strands are called genes, which give rise to different traits, such as eye colour.
Like most animals, cats have two copies of each gene: one inherited from each parent. This means that normally, a cat will pass one gene copy onto half of their kitten offspring.
A typical pattern of genetic inheritance through cat generations.(ABC Science and Freepik/naulicreative)
If you want to learn more about gene drive, here’s a link to Live Science: What is a gene drive?
