US Government and Colossal Biosciences Partner to Sequence Endangered Species Genomes

The US Endangered Species Act requires the government to identify species at risk of extinction and develop plans to restore populations and habitats. Despite successes like the bald eagle's recovery, over 2,300 plant and animal populations remain on the list. The US government announced on Thursday that it will partner with Colossal Biosciences to sequence the genomes of all species on the Endangered Species list and preserve tissue samples to aid future conservation efforts.

This effort aims to support conservation plans for the more than 2,300 species still requiring government intervention. Colossal Biosciences, a biotech company known for its focus on restoring extinct species, will collaborate with the US government on this project. The company's approach to species restoration involves gene editing and reproductive technologies, which it plans to license profitably.

However, its previous efforts, such as the genetic editing of grey wolves to produce 'dire wolves,' have raised questions about its commitment to conservation. The partnership between the US government and Colossal Biosciences marks an unusual collaboration, given the government's history of attempting to undercut the Endangered Species Act as part of its anti-regulatory efforts. The success of this initiative will depend on the effective application of genome sequencing and tissue preservation technologies in conservation efforts.

Why this matters: The partnership between the US government and Colossal Biosciences has significant implications for the conservation of endangered species. By sequencing the genomes of these species, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of their biology and develop more targeted conservation strategies. This effort also highlights the growing role of private companies in conservation efforts, raising questions about the intersection of profit and preservation.

As the project moves forward, it will be crucial to assess its effectiveness in supporting the recovery of endangered species and to consider the broader implications of using gene editing and reproductive technologies in conservation.