A new research paper* has been published in the international journal Molecular Ecology which reviews the genetic evidence between native and relocated populations of the endangered Australian lungfish.

Australian lungfish were translocated to rivers in southeast Queensland by the Royal Society of Queensland in the 1890s as a conservation action for a species believed on the brink of extinction.

BMRG chief executive Tom Espinoza is one of the authors of “Unravelling the mystery of endemic versus translocated populations of the endangered Australian lungfish (Neoceratodus forsteri)”.

The study offers insight into the possibility that Australian lungfish already existed in southeast Queensland prior to translocation.

Mr Espinoza said the study will help guide future conservation strategies, balancing the benefits and risks of such interventions.

“The Australian lungfish was considered endangered in the Burnett and Mary Rivers during the 1890s and pioneer conservationists introduced them to various rivers in southeast Queensland to enhance their survival,” he said.

“Until now, we’ve had a limited understanding of the genetic impacts of the translocations and the current differences between the populations.

“We now have some certainty that lungfish were already native to some of those rivers.

“This research will inform legislative requirements for this species and may help to influence future conservation management.”

* Biello, R., Ghirotto, S., Schmidt, D. J., Fuselli, S., Roberts, D. T., Espinoza, T., Hughes, J. M., & Bertorelle, G. (2024). Unravelling the mystery of endemic versus translocated populations of the endangered Australian lungfish (Neoceratodus forsteri). Molecular Ecology, 00, e17266. https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.17266