Conservation De Extinction And The Precarious Future Of Wild Things

The world's wildlife is facing a crisis. With deforestation, habitat loss, climate change, and illegal wildlife trade, many species are teetering on the brink of extinction. However, there is a ray of hope shining through the thick gloom: conservation de-extinction.

Conservation de-extinction refers to the scientific process of reviving extinct species or protecting endangered species through genetic engineering and advanced biotechnology. It aims to restore balance in ecosystems, protect biodiversity, and prevent irreversible loss of flora and fauna.

The De-Extinction Process

Conservation de-extinction involves several steps. First, scientists gather DNA samples from the extinct species, using various sources such as fossils, preserved tissues, or hair. This genetic material is then analyzed and reconstructed to create a complete genome.

Resurrection Science: Conservation, De-Extinction and the Precarious Future of Wild Things

by M. R. O'Connor(Kindle Edition)

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Once the genome is obtained, it is transferred into the embryo of a closely related species. This surrogate host carries the genetic information of the extinct species, allowing it to develop into a living organism. This process is known as somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT).

After successfully creating living individuals of the extinct species, the next challenge lies in reintroducing them into their natural habitats. This requires careful planning and consideration of factors such as habitat suitability, availability of resources, and potential conflicts with other species.

The Ethical Debate

Conservation de-extinction raises important ethical questions. Some argue that it is a desperate attempt to reverse the damage caused by human activities, while others see it as a necessary tool to repair the damage we have done to the planet.

Advocates of de-extinction argue that it provides a chance to right our wrongs and restore the balance of nature. They believe that every species has a unique role in the ecosystem, and losing one can have far-reaching consequences.

Opponents, on the other hand, argue that de-extinction may divert resources and attention from protecting and conserving currently endangered species. They raise concerns about unintended consequences, such as threats to existing species or disruption of ecosystems.

"Conservation de-extinction is both a scientific challenge and an ethical dilemma. As scientists, we must tread carefully and consider all the possible implications before bringing back extinct species," says Dr. Emily Watson, a leading conservation biologist.

Potential Benefits

Conservation de-extinction holds promising benefits for both biodiversity and ecosystem stability. By reintroducing extinct species into their natural habitats, it helps restore lost ecological frameworks and reestablish disrupted food chains.

Moreover, de-extinction can generate public interest and support for conservation efforts. Seeing successful results may inspire people to take action and apply sustainable practices in their daily lives, contributing to the overall preservation of nature.

The Precarious Future

While conservation de-extinction offers hope for the future, it is not a panacea for the global extinction crisis. It should be seen as a complementary approach to conventional conservation efforts rather than a solution in itself.

The challenges and limitations of de-extinction include the high costs, technical difficulties, and lack of genetic diversity. Additionally, it raises complex questions about the definition of "wildness" and whether genetically engineered organisms can truly replace those that evolved naturally.

As we navigate through the precarious future of wild things, a holistic approach that combines conservation de-extinction with habitat restoration, sustainable development, and reduction of human impacts is crucial.

Conservation de-extinction represents a double-edged sword in our battle to protect endangered species and restore the harmony of nature. It offers incredible scientific possibilities, but it also demands careful consideration of ethics, long-term effects, and resource allocation.

As technologies advance, the debate surrounding conservation de-extinction will likely intensify. It is our responsibility to engage in informed discussions, weighing the potential benefits and risks to ensure the best course of action for the future of wild things.

"We have the power to shape the future of our planet. Let's use this power wisely to ensure the survival and flourishing of all species," concludes Dr. Watson.

Resurrection Science: Conservation, De-Extinction and the Precarious Future of Wild Things

by M. R. O'Connor(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1677 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	272 pages

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**A Library Journal Best Book of 2015 **
**A Christian Science Monitor Top Ten Book of September**

In a world dominated by people and rapid climate change, species large and small are increasingly vulnerable to extinction. In Resurrection Science, journalist M. R. O'Connor explores the extreme measures scientists are taking to try and save them, from captive breeding and genetic management to de-extinction. Paradoxically, the more we intervene to save species, the less wild they often become. In stories of sixteenth-century galleon excavations, panther-tracking in Florida swamps, ancient African rainforests, Neanderthal tool-making, and cryogenic DNA banks, O'Connor investigates the philosophical questions of an age in which we "play god" with earth's biodiversity.

Each chapter in this beautifully written book focuses on a unique species--from the charismatic northern white rhinoceros to the infamous passenger pigeon--and the people entwined in the animals' fates. Incorporating natural history and evolutionary biology with conversations with eminent ethicists, O'Connor's narrative goes to the heart of the human enterprise: What should we preserve of wilderness as we hurtle toward a future in which technology is present in nearly every aspect of our lives? How can we co-exist with species when our existence and their survival appear to be pitted against one another?