How De-Extinction Technology is Helping Critically Endangered Species

While the birth of three dire wolf pups has captured global headlines, another breakthrough with potentially more immediate conservation impact has emerged from the same research: the successful cloning of critically endangered red wolves using innovative techniques developed in the dire wolf work.

America's Most Endangered Canid

With fewer than 20 individuals remaining in the wild, the red wolf (Canis rufus) stands as the most endangered wolf species in North America and possibly the world. Their situation is dire – a stark contrast to their once-abundant presence across much of the eastern United States.

"Currently listed as critically endangered, fewer than 20 red wolves remain in North America, which makes them the most endangered wolves on the planet," according to Colossal Biosciences.

"Thousands of red wolves once roamed across most of eastern North America. But by 1960 they were nearly extinct."

Conservation efforts have faced significant hurdles. The Endangered Species Act and a captive breeding program initially showed promise, with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Red Wolf Recovery Program successfully growing the wild population to more than 120 wolves. However, when the program was halted in 2015, the population crashed dramatically to as few as seven wolves. Though the program resumed in 2021, red wolves have struggled to regain their numbers.

One fundamental challenge is the limited genetic diversity in the existing population – all current red wolves descend from just 12 founding individuals, creating a severe genetic bottleneck that threatens the species' long-term viability.

Technology Crosses Over from De-Extinction to Conservation

Using techniques developed for the dire wolf de-extinction, Colossal has now produced four healthy red wolf pups from three different genetic founder lines. These new additions – a female named Hope and three males named Blaze, Cinder, and Ash – represent a potentially significant boost to the species' limited gene pool.

"The birth of red wolves provides further evidence of the link between de-extinction efforts and the company's growing capacity to support conservation efforts globally through de-extinction technology innovation," Colossal stated in their announcement.

What makes this achievement particularly notable is the innovative cloning method employed. Rather than invasive tissue sampling, Colossal developed a "non-invasive blood cloning" approach:

"Using Colossal's novel approach to establish cell lines from a standard blood draw, the team collected blood during a normal veterinary procedure and established cell lines from blood epithelial progenitor cells (EPCs). The team then performed multiplex genome editing of these cells followed by whole genome sequencing to confirm editing efficiency."

This non-invasive approach represents a significant advancement for conservation applications, as it allows scientists to establish cell lines and preserve genetic material with minimal disturbance to sensitive or endangered animals.

Expanding the Genetic Foundation

Perhaps most critically, Colossal's red wolves could significantly expand the genetic foundation of the captive breeding population. The company notes that "adding Colossal's red wolves to the captive breeding population would increase the number of founding lineages by 25%."

This genetic boost is crucial for a species threatened as much by genetic bottlenecks as by habitat loss and human conflict. Dr. Bridgett vonHoldt of Princeton University, a scientific advisor to Colossal and expert on canid genetics, emphasized the significance:

"In a world where humans are rapidly eroding the environment, species (especially wolves) need allies. One of the most impactful ways to be an ally is to use science to help discover and preserve lost genes, genetic diversity, and phenotypes. We now have the technology that can edit DNA to increase resilience in species that are facing extinction or to revive extinct genetic diversity and species."

The Ghost Wolf Connection

The technology developed through the dire wolf and red wolf work has additional applications for what researchers call "red 'ghost' wolves" – unique canids found only on the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana that carry genetic material from red wolves. This previously inaccessible genetic diversity could prove vital for red wolf recovery.

Kristin Brzeski, an Assistant Professor at Michigan Technological University and scientific advisor to Colossal, explained this connection:

"Our world is grappling with a biodiversity crisis that demands groundbreaking solutions to slow the global loss of species. Colossal stands at the forefront of this monumental undertaking as they pioneer novel technologies through de-extinction projects, such as the dire wolf, that are poised to revolutionize the way we safeguard extant species like the red wolf. The tools Colossal has developed for de-extinction will radically improve conservation practitioners' abilities to ensure population redundancy and genetic viability for dwindling species, thus changing how we conserve endangered wildlife."

From Captivity to Rewilding

The ultimate goal extends beyond just producing more wolves in captivity. Colossal has stated its intention to work toward reintroducing these wolves to their natural habitat:

"Colossal's long term goal is for their red wolves to be re-wilded through current US conservation efforts in collaboration with the US government," according to their announcement.

Matt James, Colossal's Chief Animal Officer and Colossal Foundation Executive Director, emphasized the broader conservation impact: "Colossal's successful de-extinction of the dire wolf represents a massive coup for conservation. The technologies developed on the path to the dire wolf are already opening up new opportunities to rescue critically endangered canids."

A Model for Other Endangered Species

The red wolf success demonstrates that de-extinction research isn't merely about bringing back lost species—it's about developing powerful new tools that can help prevent more extinctions.

Barney Long, Ph.D., Senior Director of Conservation Strategy for Re:Wild, highlighted this potential:

"Today's dire wolf announcement represents an exciting scientific step and demonstrates the power and possibilities of genetic technologies. These technologies will likely transform the conservation of critically endangered species that still exist, and we are excited to apply them to prevent extinctions. From restoring lost genes into small, inbred populations to inserting disease resistance into imperiled species, the genetic technologies being developed by Colossal have immense potential to greatly speed up the recovery of species on the brink of extinction."

For the red wolf—a species teetering on the edge of extinction—these innovations offer new hope. The same technologies that brought back a species extinct for 12,000 years may help ensure that North America doesn't lose one of its few native wolf species in our lifetime.

Aurelia Skipwith Giacometto, former Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, summarized the significance: "Colossal is drastically changing the prognosis for countless endangered species around the world. The company's work to combat extinction of the red wolf creates hope for so many other critically endangered species fighting for survival."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Aleksandra Djurdjevic          

Senior Content Creator

Aleksandra Djurdjevic is a senior writer and editor, covering jewelry, accessories, and trends. She’s also works with services, home décor. She has previously worked as ESL teacher for English Tochka. Aleksandra graduated from the Comparative Literature department at the Faculty of Philosophy in Serbia. Aleksandra’s love for the environment, crafts and natural products over the years helps her continue to be a top expert at Wooden Earth.