A species of elephant called woolly mammoths inhabited the earth for about half a million years. They were accustomed to the extreme cold temperatures for their survival and hence when the earth gradually started warming, these mammoths became extinct. However, in a remarkable turn in science and conservation, researchers are actively seeking the answers to potentially bring this extinct species of elephants. Using genetic engineering, scientists aim to de-extinct mammoth-like animals to Arctic tundras, with potential environmental and ethical implications.
The Science of De-Extinction
The woolly mammoth de-extinction project is led by Colossal Biosciences. The method involves genetic engineering by CRISPR where the ancient DNA from mammoth remains will be combined with that of the closest living relative of the mammoth, the Asian elephant. The editing in the elephant genome to integrate mammoth genes will enable the hybrid species to have genes required for adaptation in cold environments. Such traits include fat deposits, fur, and smaller ears. The aim is to create a hybrid species that would resemble the mammoth and survive in Arctic climates. With the introduction of CRISPR gene-editing technology, precise alterations to an organism’s genome can be made, allowing the scientists to add, remove, or modify specific genes with relative accuracy.
Ecological Goals and Challenges
The major goal behind this project is to restore Arctic ecosystems and tackle climate change by introducing mammoth-like animals back into the Arctic tundra. The grazing habits of mammoths could prevent the release of greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide and preserve permafrost. However, reviving an extinct species is a complex, patience-requiring process with various challenges to overcome along the way.
Ethical, Social Considerations and Potential Future of De-Extinction
The project is riddled with an ethical debate about the responsibility of bringing back extinct species, along with addressing welfare concerns of the novel hybrid species. The social behaviour of the Asian elephants is well known and should be taken into consideration if the mammoth revival is successful, seeking answers to questions such as will they be able to successfully become a part of the existing elephant groups or will they be forced to remain isolated? Some argue that the resources allocated to mammoth revival could be better spent for the protection of endangered species and habitats. The project may also result in lack of funding for other pressing environmental issues such as preservation of already existing biodiversities.
The notion of reintroducing woolly mammoth is just the tip of the iceberg where much room is left to consider other extinct animals such as carrier pigeon, tasmanian tiger, saber-tooth tigers, etc. While these projects open new possibilities for biodiversity conservation, development of clear frameworks and regulations is highly critical to manage the ecological and ethical implications of the revival projects.
Thus, the potential revival of the woolly mammoth presents an exciting chapter in applied genetics for ecology and conservation. These efforts certainly offer a glimpse into the reversible extinction process and also accentuate the importance of wide-range impacts on ecosystems, ethics, and conservation priorities. This innovative conservation approach emphasises that humanity could take the help of de-extinction to restore balance in ecosystems where our actions have failed and have caused irreversible damages. The advancement in technology will prevail when we, as a society, will be able to navigate the balance between scientific innovation and responsibility towards the natural world.
Deeksha, is a Biochemist and an aspiring neuroscientist. Her research interest lies at the intersection of molecular neuroscience and drug discovery.
