Full RNA sequence may resurrect Tasmanian wolf from extinction
Geneticists have obtained the full RNA sequence of the Tasmanian wolf. Scientists have no doubt that this is a "milestone in the field of genetics and paleogenomics." This discovery may be the key to resurrecting the extinct species.
The Tasmanian wolf was the largest carnivorous marsupial declared extinct in the 20th century. Scientists have determined its complete RNA sequence, which allows us to read the genetic information contained in the DNA. This, in turn, is an essential step in considering the possibility of resurrecting extinct species. As reported by the Interia portal, the resurrection of the Tasmanian wolf as a species has been discussed for years.
Originally, it was planned to resurrect an individual of this species from a preserved Tasmanian wolf embryo as part of the "Lazarus" programme. Ultimately, the plan could not be realised, though this does not mean that the idea of recreating the extinct species has been entirely abandoned.
The RNA sequence of the Tasmanian wolf was reconstructed from the remains of Tasmanian wolves preserved at the Museum of Natural History in Stockholm. The remains of this unique animal have been there for 130 years. Scientists emphasise that this is a breakthrough in recreating the Tasmanian wolf and other extinct species.
We’re moving closer to a holistic understanding of what it takes to bring a species back to life, Swedish scientists point out.
Declared extinct in the 20th century
The Tasmanian wolf lasted longest in Tasmania. Initially, the last individual of this species was believed to be a male named Benjamin. The animal was kept at the zoo in Hobart, Tasmania. Due to an oversight by the staff, who did not lock him in a warm enclosure at night, the male Tasmanian wolf died in September 1936.
Although his death was supposed to end the species, the official extinction was not declared until a quarter of a century later. This happened only in 1986, although to this day, there are still people who believe these extraordinary animals still live in the ancient forests of Tasmania.
