Reviving the Tasmanian Tiger: A Look at Cutting-Edge Science
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Chapter 1: The Tasmanian Tiger's Legacy
Scientists are embarking on a quest to bring back an animal that vanished from our planet in 1936. An American company has set its sights on reviving the Tasmanian tiger, a member of the wolf family and the last survivor of the genus Thylacinus. Historically, this mammal roamed across Australia, New Guinea, and Tasmania.
Colossal Biosciences, a U.S.-based biotechnology firm, first garnered attention for its goal of resurrecting the woolly mammoth. To achieve this, researchers plan to merge the mammoth’s DNA with that of the Asian elephant. Founders George Church and Ben Lamm aim to see these ancient creatures roaming the Arctic tundra by 2027. Now, the company is shifting its focus toward the Tasmanian tiger.
Section 1.1: The Last Sightings of the Tasmanian Tiger
The Tasmanian tiger, often referred to as the Tasmanian wolf, held the title of the largest carnivorous marsupial of recent times, measuring 85–118 cm in length and weighing between 15–35 kg. Its fur was a fawn color adorned with more than a dozen distinctive stripes. This nocturnal predator primarily hunted kangaroos and wombats across Australia, New Guinea, and Tasmania. Unfortunately, European settlers viewed it as a nuisance, leading to its drastic decline.
The last known individual, a male named Benjamin, passed away in 1936 at Hobart Zoo, while the last confirmed sighting in the wild occurred in 1932. Despite sporadic claims of sightings over the decades, none have been verified, although some scientists speculate that a hidden population may have survived in Tasmania's rugged terrain. In 1986, the International Union for Conservation of Nature officially classified the Tasmanian tiger as extinct. Since 2002, various attempts to clone the species have been made, but all have failed.
Section 1.2: The Science of Resurrection
Colossal Biosciences is spearheading a project to bring the Tasmanian tiger back to life in collaboration with the University of Melbourne. Professor Andrew Pask, who leads the initiative, states, "Our technology provides an opportunity to mend the harm inflicted by humanity."
Reviving the Tasmanian tiger involves intricate steps, starting with reconstructing its genome and comparing it to the DNA of the long-tailed dunnart, its closest living relative. This process will help identify genetic differences.
“The next phase involves modifying live fathead cells to match the genetic discrepancies,” explains Prof. Pask. The ultimate goal is to convert dunnart cells into tiger cells. This modified cell will then be used to create a new Tasmanian tiger, with a long-tailed dunnart serving as a surrogate. Remarkably, a small female dunnart is capable of giving birth to the offspring, given the comparable size of their newborns.
Chapter 2: The Challenges of Reintroduction
The Australian scientist who's bringing back the Tasmanian Tiger from extinction...
This video explores the groundbreaking efforts and challenges faced by scientists attempting to revive the Tasmanian tiger, including insights from leading experts.
The final phase of this project involves the reintroduction of the resurrected species into the wild. However, this process carries significant risks, as the new Tasmanian tiger would need to adapt to a transformed ecosystem.
“Releasing even a single individual necessitates extensive research to understand how it integrates into its environment and manages in a larger habitat,” notes Prof. Pask.
At present, Colossal Biosciences has not specified a timeline for the Tasmanian tiger’s resurrection. Nevertheless, the founders assert that this endeavor is less complex than bringing back the woolly mammoth. They emphasize that their resurrection technology holds promise for protecting endangered species in the future.
5 Animals That Scientists Are Trying To Bring Back From Extinction - YouTube
This video highlights several species scientists are working to revive, showcasing the innovative techniques being utilized in the field of de-extinction.
In conclusion, while the revival of the Tasmanian tiger presents a unique challenge, advancements in genetic technology may pave the way for future conservation efforts and the prevention of further extinctions.