Kangaroos are not endangered, but Australia — one of the world’s most biodiverse countries — also has the highest rate of mammal extinction. A breakthrough may help fix that.

Summary

Australian researchers have successfully created the first kangaroo embryo using in-vitro fertilization (IVF), a breakthrough that could aid in conserving endangered marsupials.

Led by University of Queensland’s Andres Gambini, the research builds on reproductive techniques used in livestock and helps scientists understand marsupial development.

While kangaroos aren’t endangered, Australia has the highest rate of mammal extinctions. The IVF method could help preserve species like koalas and Tasmanian devils by freezing embryos for future conservation efforts.

Scientists emphasize this is an early but promising step.