The Dire Wolf Cloning Technology Helping to Save Red Wolves & Other Endangered Species

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In simple terms, the pioneering biotech firm, Colossal Biosciences – self-proclaimed as the world’s first company dedicated to de-extinction – has unveiled plans to revive an ancient creature, the dire wolf, which became extinct approximately 12,000 years ago.

Photos and clips of specially designed giant wolves wandering in a hidden North American location are rapidly spreading online, evoking images reminiscent of Jurassic Park, but without the option to purchase tickets. These creatures aren’t intended for public viewing at present. However, opinions about the presence of these “dire” wolves are divided. Some view it as a misstep, while others are thrilled by the idea of resurrecting extinct species.

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As a passionate gamer, I’d rephrase that as: “First World Record in De-Extinction: Colossal Biosciences Unveils the Revival of Dire Wolves! Could we resurrect extinct species by decoding the genomes of Dire Wolves and Giant Sloths? The Colossal Foundation is on a mission to save endangered creatures using cutting-edge de-extinction technology!

A less contentious aspect involves the effects of de-extinction technologies on subsequent ecosystems, as these techniques may also aid in off-label conservation efforts. Just as a runner who trains at high altitudes finds it easier to run at sea level, any tool that could bring back an extinct species (or something very similar) to our world can potentially assist in the preservation of species on the verge of extinction.

In fact, it’s already happening.

How de-extinction technologies used to bring back the dire wolf could benefit endangered red wolves

During their attempts to transform a gray wolf into a dire wolf, Colossal’s team discovered some crucial insights that significantly aid the most critically endangered wolves on Earth. The revival process starts by using ancient DNA. For the dire wolf project, Colossal scientists were utilizing two fossils: a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old skull.

Researchers used DNA from a dire wolf to sequence its genome, but they needed more than just that data. They also had to identify which genes were significant. To accomplish this, they contrasted the dire wolf’s genome with those of other canines, such as jackals, foxes, dholes, and contemporary wolves. Ultimately, they made 20 modifications to the gray wolf’s genome using this information and produced puppies from it (through a process called Colossal).

The cloning procedure followed a common method known as somatic cell nuclear transfer, similar to the one used in the birth of Dolly the sheep. However, Colossal introduced an innovative twist: instead of requiring a more intrusive tissue sample, they managed to extract epithelial progenitor cells (EPCs) through a simple blood draw.

The very same blood cloning technique that led to the creation of the Colossal dire wolves could potentially be utilized for conserving other endangered species, such as the critically threatened red wolf. To achieve this, we’ll require assistance from a few newly-discovered hybrid animal species.

Red wolf “ghost alleles” in hybrid coyotes

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The current state of red wolves is critical, with roughly 20 individuals left, all stemming from 12 original lineages. If efforts to expand their numbers through captive breeding and protective measures are successful, they might still struggle due to reduced genetic diversity. Interestingly, it has been discovered that there are remnants of the red wolf genome surviving elsewhere in the world, but not within the existing red wolf population.

In Texas and Louisiana, there has been a stealthy process of red wolves crossbreeding with coyotes over an extended period. Although the numbers of purebred red wolves have been decreasing, some of their genetic variation has been gradually merging into coyote-red wolf hybrids, as suggested by a study recently published in the journal Science Advances.

In 2022, scientist Bridget vonHoldt shared that in certain animals, the percentage of red wolf ancestry is quite minimal, around 2%. However, some animals have been found with as much as 70% of their genetic makeup originating from the red wolf. Currently, she and her team are examining various animals to determine if there are specific geographical areas that exhibit unusually high levels of red wolf ancestry.

It was anticipated that researchers might uncover traces of the red wolf’s ancestry, elusive genetic markers known as “ghost alleles,” within the hybrid population. This discovery could provide valuable genetic information needed to rejuvenate the health and diversity of the red wolves. After a few years, some of these ghost alleles were indeed reintroduced into the red wolf population, amidst the somber news about the dire wolf.

Preventing the extinction of the endangered red wolf

Long ago, a vast number of red wolves inhabited North America, only to be cruelly hunted down, leaving them perilously close to disappearing entirely by 1970. In response, three years later, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service embarked on an extensive conservation project.

Initially, the last surviving red wolves were gathered for a controlled breeding scheme. Starting with a mere 14 creatures, the numbers gradually increased until they were reintroduced back into their natural habitat. Between 1987 and 1994, a total of 63 wolves were set free, resulting in a wild population of approximately 120 animals. However, once the conservation effort ceased, the population plummeted drastically. The US Fish & Wildlife Service resumed its red wolf conservation program in 2021, but currently, there are only 17 red wolves surviving in the wild.

By employing identical genetic cloning methods as those used in the production of colossal dire wolves, and advancing upon the research conducted by vonHoldt and his team, Colossal successfully developed four new red wolves: a female named Hope, along with males named Blaze, Ash, and Cinder.

The number of red wolves grew by four individuals, which is significant, but it’s also crucial to note that their genetic diversity expanded as well. In breeding the red wolves, Colossal utilized genetic material collected from the hybrid ghost wolf population in southwest Louisiana. Enhancing genetic diversity is just as vital as increasing overall numbers, and these newly created red wolves encompass three new lineages, raising the total from 12 to 15 – a 25% increase.

The effects of blood cloning extend beyond just wolves; it could be utilized to maintain and even increase genetic diversity across various animal species. Although de-extinction has the appeal of a major motion picture, preventing extinction is more favorable. An ounce of prevention for the red wolf is worth a pound of cure for the dire wolf.

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2025-04-10 22:47