Gene Editing Offers Hope for Endangered Species
Scientists Propose Novel Approach to Restore Genetic Diversity
A groundbreaking strategy leveraging gene editing technology could revitalize endangered species by restoring lost genetic variety, according to an international scientific consortium.
A Scientific Breakthrough
An international team of conservation geneticists and biotechnologists, co-led by Professor **Cock van Oosterhout** from the University of East Anglia and Dr. **Stephen Turner** from Colossal Biosciences, has put forth a novel approach. This method adapts technologies commonly used in agriculture and de-extinction efforts to address a critical challenge in conservation: genomic erosion.
“We’re facing the fastest environmental change in Earth’s history, and many species have lost the genetic variation needed to adapt and survive,” said Professor **van Oosterhout**. “Gene engineering provides a way to restore that variation, whether it’s reintroducing DNA variation that has been lost from immune-system genes that we can retrieve from museum specimens or borrowing climate-tolerance genes from closely related species.”
Traditional conservation methods, such as captive breeding and habitat protection, often succeed in increasing population numbers. However, they frequently fail to replace the essential gene variants lost during population bottlenecks, leading to a state of diminished genetic diversity and an accumulation of harmful mutations.
The Pink Pigeon Predicament
The plight of the pink pigeon in Mauritius serves as a stark illustration. While conservation efforts have brought the species back from near extinction, its population now exceeding 600 birds, genetic studies reveal it suffers from significant genomic erosion. Researchers predict it may face extinction within the next 50 to 100 years without intervention. Genome engineering offers a potential solution to reintroduce the lost genetic diversity needed for adaptation.
Harnessing Technological Advances
The scientists highlight that the same advanced gene editing techniques used to develop pest-resistant crops, covering vast agricultural areas globally, can be repurposed for species conservation. This technology also underpins ambitious plans for de-extinction.
“The same technological advances that allow us to introduce genes of mammoths into the genome of an elephant can be harnessed to rescue species teetering on the brink of extinction,” said Dr. **Beth Shapiro**, Chief Science Officer at Colossal Biosciences. “It is our responsibility to reduce the extinction risk faced today by thousands of species.”
The potential of gene editing is recognized globally. For instance, the Iberian lynx, once critically endangered, has seen its population rebound thanks to intensive conservation efforts, including captive breeding and habitat restoration. However, ongoing monitoring is crucial to ensure its long-term genetic health and resilience against emerging threats like disease. As of 2023, the Iberian lynx population had surpassed 1,300 individuals, showcasing the impact of sustained conservation work, though genetic diversity remains a focus (WWF).
Cautious Optimism and Ethical Considerations
The researchers acknowledge potential risks associated with gene editing, including unintended genetic alterations and further reductions in diversity. They emphasize that these methods remain experimental and require careful, phased implementation with rigorous, long-term monitoring. Crucially, the approach must be integrated with established conservation strategies, including habitat restoration and community engagement, rather than replacing them.
“Biodiversity faces unprecedented threats that demand unprecedented solutions,” said Associate Professor **Hernan Morales** of the Globe Institute. “Genome editing is not a replacement for species protection and will never be a magical fix—its role must be carefully evaluated alongside established conservation strategies as part of a broader, integrated approach with species protection as a guiding principle.”