Colossal Biosciences aims to de-extinct moa but faces scientific concerns
- Colossal Biosciences is working with experts and institutions to de-extinct New Zealand's giant moa, following their success with the dire wolf.
- Challenges include the need for artificial eggs and the complex genetic engineering required given the long evolutionary history of the moa.
- Professor Nic Roawlence emphasizes that money might be better spent on the conservation of currently endangered species rather than de-extinction efforts.
In an ambitious project, Colossal Biosciences has partnered with Canterbury Museum, the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre, and filmmaker Peter Jackson to attempt the de-extinction of New Zealand's giant moa. This endeavor follows the successful resurrection of the dire wolf by an American company and signifies the next step in the journey of reversing extinction. However, experts such as Nic Roawlence, an Associate Professor in Ancient DNA at the University of Otago, raise serious concerns regarding the challenges involved, particularly due to the unique biological characteristics of the moa and its evolutionary history. One major obstacle highlighted by Professor Roawlence is the complexity of obtaining suitable surrogate eggs for the moa. Unlike mammals, birds present a specific challenge because there are no existing eggs from living species that can accommodate a growing moa chick. This necessitates the development of artificial eggs tailored specifically for the moa's needs, which adds to the originality and complexity of the project. Furthermore, a significant hurdle is the need to trace back millions of years to find the common ancestor between the moa and the tinamou, a small bird species in South America, because this familial link contains numerous evolutionary divergences and mutations. Another key issue is the natural difficulty of genetically engineering birds, especially flightless ones like the moa. The various extinct and modern flightless birds, which belong to the palaeognath group, provide no direct living analogues for accurate genetic modification. Such complexities require significant re-engineering efforts to restore the unique characteristics and traits that would define the resurrected moa. Additionally, the project has been met with skepticism from Māori communities across New Zealand, expressing concerns about not only the ecological implications but also the ethical dimensions of genetic engineering. Discussions with local tribes reveal widespread apprehension regarding the consultation process undertaken by Colossal Biosciences, as well as the potential for genetic material being exported abroad for study. While some parties acknowledge the efforts of the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre in advocating for the project and working towards restoring suitable habitats for the moa, many scientists, including Professor Roawlence, argue that financial resources should be directed toward conserving New Zealand's existing endangered species rather than attempting to bring extinct species back to life.