Reviving the Woolly Mammoth: A Misallocation of Resources?
Written on
Introduction to De-Extinction
What do a tech entrepreneur, a TikTok influencer, a PayPal co-founder, the Winklevoss Twins, and motivational speaker Tony Robbins have in common? The answer might be that nature will always find a way.
This week, a startup named Colossal revealed plans to create a woolly mammoth embryo—sort of. Their actual goal is to develop a hybrid of a mammoth and an Asian elephant, resulting in a large, furry elephant-like creature. While some in the biosciences community are enthusiastic, they hope the project does not lead to undesirable consequences.
Funding Sources and Key Players
Tony Robbins, the self-help mogul and model, has contributed $15 million to this venture. Meanwhile, Peter Thiel from PayPal has invested $100,000, and TikTok star Josh Richards, along with the Winklevoss Twins, are also backing the initiative through Richards' Animal Capital fund.
The concept was initially proposed by Harvard geneticist George Church, a member of Colossal, around ten years ago. Their method involves using CRISPR technology to introduce 60 segments of mammoth DNA into the embryo of an Asian elephant. CRISPR allows for precise modifications of DNA, making genetic engineering more efficient and less costly.
The Motivation Behind the Project
Their stated aim is to enhance biodiversity and address climate change. However, the climate change aspect has sparked significant debate. The idea is that the presence of these quasi-mammoths could help restore the mossy Siberian tundra to healthy grasslands, which reflect solar radiation more effectively than mossy surfaces.
Additionally, it is hoped that these mammoth-like creatures will compact snow and help preserve the permafrost that is rapidly disappearing in Antarctica, while also contributing to the formation of new, never-thawing ice layers. Similar research is being conducted by Russian scientists in Siberia using elk and bison.
Colossal cites this as the reason for prioritizing the woolly mammoth over other animals or using funds for initiatives that support endangered species like the Asian elephant. Perhaps other projects, such as boosting the population of rhinos or reviving the dodo, did not attract investment due to a lack of appeal compared to the mammoth's star power.
Critics' Perspectives
Some critics argue that the funds could be better allocated to restoring coral reefs that have been lost in recent years. They contend that the shift from tundra grasslands to moss is not solely due to the absence of large animals, but may also be influenced by changes in soil composition, including increased acidity that hinders grassland restoration. Some scientists even suggest that introducing these large herbivores could potentially damage the soil.
Colossal is optimistic about producing a mammoth-like baby within six years. While the idea is intriguing, it seems a more prudent use of resources would be to focus on existing wildlife that we know can positively influence the environment and perhaps mitigate the ongoing extinction crisis.
Currently, it appears that Colossal is merely indulging the childhood fantasies of wealthy individuals. One might speculate that the outcome could be less impressive than anticipated, reminiscent of Jeff Bezos' Blue Horizon.
Exploring De-Extinction Further
In the first video, "De-Extinction: Can the Woolly Mammoth & Dodo Bird Restore our Ecosystem?" by Colossal Biosciences, the discussion revolves around whether these efforts can truly benefit our ecosystems.
The second video, "Bringing Mammoths Back From Extinction- Pros, Cons, & Timeline" by GEO GIRL, delves into the advantages, disadvantages, and expected timeline for these ambitious de-extinction projects.