Engineering researchers genetics are engaged in bring back to life one of the most iconic birds of history: the dodo.
Extinct since the 17th century, this exotic, flightless bird was last seen in 1681, when human occupation of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean resulted in its extinction.
see more
Plant papaya at home in 4 VERY SIMPLE steps; look
Mansion worth R$ 20 million survives fire in Hawaii; owners reveal…
According to Beth Shapiro, renowned paleo-geneticist and member of Colossal's scientific board: "Dodo is an exemplary emblematic of a species that disappeared due to human actions, making it impossible for it to survive in its habitat Natural".
With the aim of rescuing this unique species, the Colossal Biosciences Program, headquartered in the United States United and made up of researchers of various nationalities, announced last week a project ambitious.
The idea is to use DNA samples from extinct animals, including the dodo, to carry out a true "biological mass resurrection". Understand better below!
In a sad and devastating outcome, the last dodo, a unique and emblematic bird species, was killed in 1681, according to information from the renowned website Britannica.com.
Discovered by Portuguese sailors more than five centuries ago in Mauritius, located on the stunning coast East Africa, Indian Ocean, these birds, larger than turkeys, were cruelly slaughtered to serve as food.
(Image: publicity)
In a revolutionary initiative, experts are working to resurrect the dodo, as mentioned earlier.
The company responsible for this ambitious project, called Colossal, is creating an Avian Genomics Group dedicated to bringing back not just the dodo, but other extinct bird species.
According to the program announced by Colossal, the resurrection of the bird and other species will be possible with advanced genetic rescue techniques and the use of a specific “toolbox” for the extinction.
The investment required for the development of these techniques and the reintroduction of birds to nature is estimated at 150 million dollars.
Beth Shapiro, a distinguished professor at the University of California, led a group of scientists who recently sequenced the dodo genome.
In a statement, she expressed her excitement at collaborating with Colossal and the people of Mauritius in the process of “de-extinction” and reintroducing these birds into the wild.
In addition, Shapiro hopes to promote genetic rescue tools aimed at birds and their conservation. This project brings to mind the famous movie “Jurassic Park”, in which scientists manage to bring dinosaurs back to life.
