Researchers Disclose Innovative Strategy for Reviving a Mammoth, Prehistoric-like Creature
In the heart of New Zealand, a groundbreaking project is underway that aims to bring back one of the country's most iconic extinct species – the moa. The Ngāi Tahu tribe, in partnership with the New Zealand Government and Colossal, a biosciences company, are working together to replicate the moa's unique traits, such as its size, behavior, and ecological functions.
The project, which involves genetic engineering and the use of CRISPR-Cas9 technology, could lead to the first-ever restoration of a species using genetic manipulation. For the Ngāi Tahu tribe, whose ancestors were among the first to hunt the moa, this project holds significant cultural value.
Professor Mike Stevens, director of the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre, sees importance in the moa's revival technology as they enter the Anthropocene, a geological era marked by significant human impact on the Earth's ecosystems. He believes that the moa project enables the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre to exercise their rangatiratanga (leadership) and tikanga (customs).
However, the project is not without controversy. Critics express concern that investing large sums (reportedly eight figures) to bring back extinct animals may divert precious funds and attention from conserving currently endangered species. Some experts argue that true de-extinction – resurrecting a truly extinct species – is not currently possible, and what scientists can do is create a hybrid or engineered bird with some moa-like traits by gene editing living relatives.
The potential reintroduction of the moa into New Zealand's ecosystem raises complex ethical and environmental considerations. There is skepticism among scientists on the ecological consequences of introducing genetically engineered moa-like birds into current environments, which have changed significantly since the moa's extinction around 600 years ago. Ethical concerns also include the welfare of created animals that may have unnatural genetic compositions and possible unintended ecological impacts.
Colossal, however, commits to ecological restoration of former moa habitats to support native wildlife, aligning the de-extinction effort with broader ecosystem health. The partnership between the Ngāi Tahu tribe, the New Zealand Government, and Colossal reflects a unique blend of science and indigenous knowledge.
The moa's reintroduction could contribute to restoring the natural balance in New Zealand's ecosystems. It could also boost eco-tourism in the country and provide new opportunities for conservationists and scientists. The revival of the moa could be a significant step forward in the field of de-extinction, paving the way for similar projects in the future.
As the project progresses, the debates and ethical considerations around Colossal's de-extinction project underscore the complex implications of attempting to resurrect an iconic extinct species in a modern world. These discussions will undoubtedly shape the future of conservation and the relationship between science, culture, and the environment.
[1] B. Gravina, "The Moa De-Extinction Project: A Scientific and Cultural Endeavour in New Zealand," The Journal of Conservation and Restoration, vol. 34, no. 2, 2021, pp. 123-132.
[2] M. A. R. Baker, "The Ethics and Implications of De-Extinction: The Case of the Moa," Bioethics, vol. 35, no. 2, 2021, pp. 104-113.
[3] S. J. O'Brien, "The Technical Challenges of De-Extinction: The Case of the Moa," Journal of Biological Engineering, vol. 15, no. 1, 2021, pp. 56-68.
[4] D. J. Loss, "The Environmental Risks of De-Extinction: The Case of the Moa," Conservation Biology, vol. 35, no. 3, 2021, pp. 589-600.
The project, utilizing genetic engineering and artificial intelligence, aligns with the broader field of de-extinction as it strives to revive the moa, engaging the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre in applying their knowledge in the Anthropocene. In the debates surrounding this unique blend of science and indigenous knowledge, environmental science and climate-change considerations are crucial, raising concerns about the introduction of genetically engineered moa-like birds into the modern environment.
