The CSIRO has some fun news this morning – it has launched Genome Tracker, a world-first tool tracking Australia’s progress in sequencing the full genomes (genetic blueprints) of the nation’s 250,000 or so known and catalogued animals.

What that means is that it is working towards getting a full genetic blueprint of all the plants and animal species in Australia, which should provide insights into not just our environment, but what keeps it alive.

From the statement:

CSIRO’s Dr Kathryn Hall, ARGA project lead, said Genome Tracker is a step change in how genomic data coverage can be tracked, assessed and prioritised.

“Whole genome sequencing for plants and animals provides insights for ecology, conservation biology, agriculture and biosecurity,” Dr Hall said.

“It lets us peer back through evolutionary time to understand how species have adapted to the unique landscapes of Australia.

“Genome Tracker clearly shows which parts of the family tree of life have strong representation and which are under-sequenced or entirely missing.

“It helps researchers map existing genomic coverage and highlights under-represented areas for research.”

The ultimate goal is to have genomes published for a wide cross-section of Australian biodiversity.

Here is some of what we know so far:

  • Tasmanian Devil (Sarcophilus harrisii): Australia’s first published genome.Released in 2011, it was critical for research into Devil Facial Tumour Disease, conservation, and as a model for cancer resistance studies.
  • Tammar Wallaby (Notamacropus eugenii): The first kangaroo genome, fullypublished in 2012 after three years of work. It revealed the genes for encoding special antimicrobial proteins in its milk and around 1,500 smell-related genes.
  • Regent Honeyeater (Anthochaera phrygia): The first honeyeater genome was published in 2019. It showed only a 9 per cent loss of genetic diversity despite low population numbers, highlighting the need to preserve remaining genetic diversity and prevent inbreeding.
  • Numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus): Published in 2022, the genome showed they have reduced bitter and sweet taste receptors, but enhanced umami receptors, as an adaptation to their specialised termite diet.
  • Orange-bellied Parrot (Neophema chrysogaster): Genome published in 2025, the first for a critically endangered parrot. It will help strengthen captive breeding programs. The first parrot genome was only published in 2024.
  • Southern Corroboree Frog (Pseudophryne corroboree): Published in 2025, this genome is three times the size of the human genome. The genome will help researchers understand which genes affect resistance or susceptibility to the chytrid disease. Ultimately, the conservation goal is to breed frogs’ resistance to the chytrid fungus for release back into the wild.