After the dire wolf, scientists plan to revive the bluebuck antelope, extinct for 200 years <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nFollowing the successful extinction of dire wolves, scientists at Colossal Biosciences are planning to bring back the bluebuck antelope that has been lost for more than 200 years. <\/p>\n
On Thursday, the Texas-based startup said the use of genetic technology will be at the center of de-extinction efforts. The bluebuck antelope, once native to southern Africa, was the first large mammal to become extinct in modern history. <\/p>\n
The bluebuck was known for its silvery-blue coat and curved horns. During European colonial settlement of the Cape, it was hunted extensively, driving it to extinction. <\/p>\n
According to researchers, the extinction of the bluebuck is highly beneficial to the environment because these mammals graze on plants and turn them into compost across the landscape.<\/p>\n
The bluebuck has become the sixth species and first antelope to be added to Colossal’s extinction shortlist. CEO Ben Lamm described the project as an “important step” toward “protecting the entire ecosystem.”<\/p>\n
“Bluebuck Colossal represents an important step forward for conservation, our first major focus on antelope conservation \u2013 which we can now build on thanks to key developments with the necessary technologies,” Lam said.<\/p>\n
\u201cEach breeding technique, genome editing protocol, and conservation tool we develop through this effort is designed to scale \u2013 directly benefiting the 29 antelope species currently at risk.<\/p>\n
“By focusing on the bluebuck, we are not only working to restore a lost species, but also creating solutions that can help protect entire ecosystems.”<\/p>\n
The de-extinction process involves reconstructing a high-quality genome of the bluebuck using preserved samples and studying its genetic makeup. <\/p>\n
Right now, scientists are working on roan deer cells because of its genetic closeness to the bluebuck. With genetic modification, these cells will introduce bluebuck DNA, the goal of which is to create an embryo. Later, these embryos will be carried by surrogate animals. <\/p>\n
However, researchers have not revealed any definite timeline for embryo formation. <\/p>\n
The situation is also disappointing for other deer species. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, 29 of the 90 species are at risk of extinction due to population decline. <\/p>\n
Colossal Biosciences is working on a plan to revive the Woolly Mammoth and Dado as part of the Extinction Project. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n