The extinct dodo bird. The Dodo could return home for the first time in more than 300 years after scientists made incredible progress in trying to bring it back from the dead. PHOTO BY COLOSSAL/SWNS
The Dodo could return home for the first time in more than 300 years after scientists made “incredible progress” in trying to bring it back from the dead.
Researchers have been able to sequence the full genome of the famously extinct species for the first time.
The US-based biotechnology and genetic engineering company Colossal Biosciences has teamed up with the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation to find a suitable location for the large flightless birds.
Since launching in September 2021, Colossal, which is also pursuing the ‘de-extinction’ of the Woolly Mammoth and Tasmanian tiger, has raised $225 million in total funding.
The dodo was wiped out of its native ecosystem, Mauritius, as a direct result of human settlement and ecosystem competition in 1662.
Researchers have described it as a prime example of humans as a cause of extinction.
They note that since the birds has no experience being preyed upon, they were easy targets for human settlers and often approached people with no fear.
It is for this reason that the team decided to focus their efforts on the de-extinction of the famous bird.
Dr. Beth Shapiro, Colossal Scientific Advisory Board member and lead paleogeneticist, said: “The Dodo is a prime example of a species that became extinct because we – people – made it impossible for them to survive in their native habitat.
“Having focused on genetic advancements in ancient DNA for my entire career and as the first to fully sequence the Dodo’s genome, I am thrilled to collaborate with Colossal and the people of Mauritius on the de-extinction and eventual re-wilding of the Dodo.
“I particularly look forward to furthering genetic rescue tools focused on birds and avian conservation.”
To do so, Dr Shapiro, along with collaborators Tom Gilbert and John Fjeldså from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, led a team to sequence and assemble the dodo’s genome using DNA extracted from a skull in the collection of the Natural History Museum of Denmark.
They are now working on the development of genetically modified chickens to act as the surrogates for the newly created dodos.
There is still no timeline for when this first embryo will be created, but the scientists are excited at the prospect of their new discovery.
Vikash Tatayah, Director of Conservation at the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, said: “The dodo, a bird intimately woven in the DNA of Mauritius, is also sadly iconic for the role mankind played in its extinction. It also symbolizes efforts to prevent species extinctions.
“We are so grateful for Colossal’s technologies and the promise to return this iconic species, extinct since the 1680s, to its native environment.”
While Colossal’s laboratory continues its research, a team at the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation will busy itself creating a home for the birds to return to.
The team is considering several options to find the perfect location, analyzing the pros and cons with predators, poaching and other human interference all factors.
They believe that the dodo will reintegrate into the world well, even helping the planet as it is believed to efficiently disperse seeds.
Matt James, Colossal’s Chief Animal Officer, added: “Colossal’s de-extinction projects are only successful if the animals are rewilded and brought back to their natural habitat.
“We look forward to working with Mauritius to ensure this happens with the dodo.”
The team hope that their scientific advancements will not only help them bring back the dodo but will aid in the conservation of many other bird species.
Co-founder and CEO of Colossal Ben Lamm said: “The World Wildlife Fund found that in the last 50 years, Earth’s wildlife populations have plunged by an average of 69 percent at the hands of mankind.
“By gathering the smartest minds across investing, genomics, conservation and synthetic biology, we have the opportunity to reverse human-inflicted biodiversity loss while developing technologies for both conservation and human healthcare.”
He added: “We are honored to be backed by a dedicated and diverse group of investors and are excited to work to bring additional species back to the planet.
“The scientific discoveries we bring to Mauritius will impact the dodo and be applicable to several threatened bird species. Rewilding Mauritius with the dodo is a monumental step for avian conservation.”
Produced in association with SWNS Talker
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