This Company Is Trying To Bring The Woolly Mammoth And The Dodo Back To Life — A Biologist Explains

In a remarkable convergence of ambition and technological prowess, Colossal Biosciences has managed to secure a significant $200 million in funding to propel its innovative project of reviving the woolly mammoth. Beyond the mammoth, the company has expanded its focus to potentially resurrect other extinct creatures such as the Dodo and the Tasmanian Tiger.

Located in Dallas, this biotechnology venture, launched in 2021, leads the cutting-edge field known as de-extinction. This initiative aims to restore vanished species to their native ecosystems, presenting an opportunity to alter ecological dynamics and counter the effects of climate change.

The woolly mammoth, an icon of the Pleistocene epoch, became extinct approximately 4,000 years ago. It represents the cornerstone of Colossal’s ambitious project. The company envisions the revival of these ancient creatures not just as a nod to a forgotten past but also as a proactive measure against climate change. By reintroducing mammoths to the Arctic landscape, there’s potential to restore grasslands and alleviate permafrost thaw — a notable source of methane emissions.

This bold ecological intervention raises significant scientific and ethical conundrums yet continues to intrigue researchers and the general public alike. The scientific community also grapples with the implications, both ecological and ethical, of these efforts.

Colossal Biosciences pivots its de-extinction strategy on the forefront of genetic engineering and synthetic biology. The journey begins with extracting DNA from preserved samples of extinct species. In the case of the woolly mammoth, DNA is meticulously analyzed from frozen remains to uncover genetic distinctions from its nearest living kin, the Asian elephant.

Employing the revolutionary gene-editing tool, CRISPR-Cas9, scientists aim to integrate mammoth-specific genes into the genetic material of the Asian elephant to generate a hybrid embryo. This embryo, which may be nurtured in a surrogate elephant or an artificial womb — a technology with potential applications in fertility treatments — is crafted to adopt mammoth-like traits such as dense fur, layers of fat, and cold endurance.

The methodology extends to other species like the Tasmanian tiger and the dodo. Scientists utilize genetic modifications in the dodo’s closest relative, the Nicobar pigeon, and similar strategies apply to the Tasmanian tiger using the numbat as a genetic base.

Reintroducing the woolly mammoth could symbolize not just the revival of the Ice Age giant but also a proactive stance in climate change mitigation. Colossal envisions that the return of mammoths might stimulate the regeneration of grasslands, playing into theories of Pleistocene rewilding that propose rejuvenating lost megafauna can restore degraded ecosystems.

The activities of mammoths, such as trampling over layers of snow, could potentially compress them, insulating the ground and slowing down permafrost thawing. Moreover, these creatures might aid in the proliferation of grasslands which, by reflecting more sunlight than darker forest canopies, could help lessen the albedo effect — a measure of solar energy reflection by the Earth.

However, concerns arise from the unpredictable consequences of reintroducing extinct species, including possible competition with native species and unforeseen disruptions in existing ecosystems. While the woolly mammoth project captures most of the limelight, Colossal’s efforts on the dodo and Tasmanian tiger extend the conversation concerning de-extinction’s ecological role.

The dodo, which became extinct due to human activity in the 17th century, could serve as an illustrative example of restoring island habitats at risk of species loss. Meanwhile, the Tasmanian tiger, last spotted in the 1930s, served as a pivotal figure in its ecological niche. Reestablishing thylacines could potentially keep invasive species under control in Tasmania.

Yet, this burgeoning avenue of de-extinction is not without ethical and practical debates. Critics highlight questions about whether these resurrected animals can be deemed true representatives of their species or merely modern replicas. The implications of releasing genetically engineered species into the wild carry potential perils, such as ecological upheavals or the spread of pathogens.

Another crucial obstacle is ensuring adequate habitats for these creatures. With Asian elephants already endangered, employing them as surrogates prompts significant ethical queries about their welfare. Moreover, the focus on these projects may pull resources away from current conservation efforts for critically endangered species still teetering on the edge of extinction.

With a valuation soaring to $10.2 billion following its latest funding boost, Colossal Biosciences stands on the verge of redefining conservation biology. De-extinction holds a tantalizing promise of rekindling historical wonders, challenging humanity to rethink our current conservation responsibilities.