The Potential Return of the Dire Wolf
After nearly thirteen thousand years of extinction, a biotechnology company, Colossal Biosciences Inc., has claimed they have brought back three dire wolf pups. From the use of ancient DNA from fossils, scientists claim they were able to replicate complete genetic material of these wolves and breed three offspring. However, their similarities to other wolf species has sparked the idea that these are not historically dire wolves, but instead genetically modified grey wolves.
The three genetically-engineered dire wolves include two male pups, Romulus and Remus, and a third female named Khaleesi. Currently the three wolves are being monitored at a protected site. The process of breeding these wolves included utilizing a genetically modified embryo and then implantation into surrogate female dogs.
In order to gain complete genetic material of a dire wolf, scientists used pre-existing DNA, and altered the genes of grey wolves. The authenticity of the wolves was then questioned, are these dire wolves or rather grey wolves who share genetic similarities to the ancient dire wolf species? Either way, this species revivalism research is groundbreaking for assisting endangered animal efforts, and provides a foundation for de-extinction.
The abilities of scientists to repopulate extinct species has set into motion research on resurrecting other animals, such as the Woolly Mammoth, Dodo Bird, and the Tasmanian Tiger. With the proposals of bringing back extinct animals, there has been much backlash; with so many crucial species at severe risk of extinction, should we not prioritize those animals instead?
Grey wolves are listed as endangered and now are protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Along with them are elephants, polar bears, and tigers, and more than fifteen thousand other species. Many disapprove of the rehabilitation of extinct species; but, this research can actually be used to help endangered animals and combat further extinction.
While science has a long way to go before proving that de-extinction is a possibility, the research by Colossal Bioscience is certainly a step in the right direction. This milestone is progress for de-extinction processes, and will allow scientists to counteract the future extinction of critically endangered species.
