Bats or rodents, who started it? Short history of the gibbon ape leukaemia virus–koala retrovirus clade. In Proceedings of the Second Koala Retrovirus Workshop, ed. D. E. Alquezar-Planas, D. P. Higgins, C. L. Singleton, and A. D. Greenwood

The close genetic relationship between gibbon ape leukaemia virus (GALV) and koala retrovirus (KoRV) has puzzled scientists since its discovery. As the two hosts are separated geographically taxonomically, it was hypothesized that cross-species transmission of an ancestor from another host into gibbons koalas had occurred. relatively recent introduction KoRV genome apparent absence GALV in wild suggest this or a relative may still be circulation. Investigation nature provide insights on impact declining populations will also broaden our understanding host-virus coevolution. A variety mammalian species have been identified to harbor GALV-like viruses, but true ancestral remains uncertain. Here we short history most prominent candidates: rodents bats.