Wilderness Reimagined: Could De-Extinction Shape the Future of Our Planet?

On World Future Day, we explore how science shapes the future. One exciting idea is de-extinction and the future of wilderness. It’s the concept of bringing back extinct species, like woolly mammoths and Tasmanian tigers. But what caused these animals to vanish? How can they return? Let’s dive into the science, examples, and ethics behind de-extinction and the future of wilderness.

Why Did These Animals Go Extinct?

Extinctions often result from human actions. The dodo disappeared because of overhunting and invasive species destroying its nests. The Tasmanian tiger was wiped out by habitat loss and government-sponsored hunting . Woolly mammoths faced climate change but were ultimately overhunted by humans. These cases remind us how human behaviour reshaped ecosystems, leading to challenges in the future of wilderness.

Depiction of an extinct Dodo

How Could We Bring Them Back?

Advances in science are key to de-extinction and the future of wilderness. Researchers use three main methods:

1. Cloning: Scientists place the nucleus of an extinct species’ cell into a donor egg. This approach created Elizabeth Ann, a black-footed ferret clone.
2. Genetic Editing: Tools like CRISPR modify the DNA of a related species. For instance, researchers are editing elephant DNA to develop mammoth traits, such as cold resistance.
3. Selective Breeding: This involves breeding modern species with ancient traits to recreate extinct animals. The aurochs is being reintroduced this way.

Despite progress, significant challenges remain. Scientists often deal with incomplete genomes and must fill gaps using related species. For birds like the dodo, reproduction methods differ greatly from mammals, adding extra complexity to de-extinction and the future of wilderness.

Examples of De-Extinction Efforts

Several de-extinction projects illustrate the concept:

• Woolly Mammoth: Scientists are editing elephant DNA to create mammoth-like creatures. These animals could restore Arctic grasslands, slow permafrost thaw, and help mitigate climate change, showing their role in the future of wilderness.
• Tasmanian Tiger: By editing the genome of the fat-tailed dunnart, researchers aim to recreate the thylacine. This predator could help balance Tasmania’s ecosystems.
• Dodo: Efforts to bring back the dodo involve editing the DNA of the Nicobar pigeon. Habitat restoration in Mauritius is also a critical part of this plan.

In addition, cloning endangered species like the Przewalski’s horse shows how these tools can benefit today’s wildlife. These examples highlight the potential of de-extinction and the future of wilderness to support conservation.

Przewalski’s horse

The Ethics of De-Extinction

Ethical concerns are central to discussions about de-extinction and the future of wilderness.

• Ecological Risks: Reintroducing species could disrupt modern ecosystems. Mammoths, for example, might harm tundra environments instead of helping them.
• Animal Welfare: Surrogate species, like elephants or pigeons, might suffer during experiments. De-extinct species themselves could face challenges adapting to current conditions.
• Resource Use: Critics argue that funds for de-extinction could save more species through traditional conservation. Studies show that investing in existing species is more effective.

However, these technologies also offer hope. Genetic editing can improve biodiversity, while cloning can preserve species on the brink of extinction. These tools are crucial for the future of wilderness.

Looking to the Future

De-extinction and the future of wilderness go beyond recreating the past. They represent a chance to use science to build a sustainable tomorrow. Technologies developed for de-extinction could enhance biodiversity, combat climate change, and protect fragile ecosystems. Yet, we must balance innovation with responsibility. Preventing extinctions through habitat preservation and climate action remains essential for the future of wilderness.

As we reflect on World Future Day, de-extinction and the future of wilderness highlight humanity’s ability to impact the natural world. Will we use this power to repair the past or protect the future? The choice is ours.