Saving Endangered Species with Gene Editing! The Revival of the Dire Wolf Sparks a Biotech Boom: The Next Stars are Existing Rare Species

"Gene Rescue" Opens a New Chapter in Endangered Species Conservation

As global biodiversity continues to decline, cutting-edge genomic engineering is emerging as the "last trump card." A perspective paper published in July 2025 by an international research team, including the University of East Anglia (UEA), presents concrete strategies to revive lost genetic diversity from historical specimens and connect endangered species to the future.Phys.org

This article organizes the scientific background and examines the pros and cons on social media, economic and ethical issues, and policy trends from multiple perspectives.

1. Genome Engineering × Biodiversity—Key Messages of the Paper

The "gene rescue" proposed in the paper consists of three pillars: ① restoration of lost variants from past specimens, ② introduction of adaptive genes from related species, and ③ replacement of deleterious mutations fixed in population collapse.Phys.org

The team used the "Pink Pigeon" as a model to analyze the reality of **genomic erosion** continuing even after population recovery. They highlighted the extinction risk over a century and emphasized the need for genetic recovery beyond just "conservation = increasing numbers."Phys.org

2. Hope and Limitations Seen in the Pink Pigeon

The Mauritius endemic Pink Pigeon, which increased from just 10 to over 600 birds, has been considered a "conservation success story." However, the latest genomic analysis reveals that the population still carries a deleterious genetic load of 15.13 LEs, and stagnation in reproductive rates is becoming apparent.Nature

Researchers proposed a plan to introduce "past genes" preserved in museum specimens and frozen tissue banks to prepare for genetic resilience against future pathogens and high-temperature environments.Phys.org

3. Technical Hurdles: Off-Targets and Monitoring

While precision editing technologies like CRISPR/Cas9 are already commercialized in agriculture, large-scale application to wildlife involves many unknowns, such as off-target mutations and secondary impacts on ecosystems. The paper lists phased small-scale trials and a long-term monitoring framework as essential conditions, including dialogue processes with local communities and indigenous peoples.Phys.org

4. Temperature Differences on Social Media: From Joy to Ethical Concerns

Immediately after publication, tags like "#GeneRescue" and "#ConservationTech" spread on the research institute's official X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn, with researchers from Colossal Biosciences posting that "a new chapter opens in avian genomes.".LinkedIn

On the other hand, on the forum site FishForums, cautious opinions erupted, stating that "technological omnipotence could become an excuse for habitat destruction."Fish Forum

In the Facebook group Evolutionary Psychology News, a long thread was created questioning "how far artificial intervention in the natural process of biological evolution is permissible," recording over 5,000 shares in 24 hours.Facebook

5. The Aftermath of Direwolf "Revival"—Technology Enthusiasm and Politics

The news that Colossal Biosciences has birthed a direwolf pup was acclaimed on some social media as a positive example of turning science fiction into reality.People.com

However, experts point out that "de-extinction and gene rescue are not equivalent." Concerns remain strong that introducing new species could divert conservation budgets. Furthermore, when a U.S. government official suggested "revisiting the endangered species list in light of technological innovation," the risk of political use of conservation policy and biotechnology emerged.The Washington Post

6. Ethics and Social Acceptability: Who Decides the "Nature of the Future"?

A panel of experts from the Science Media Centre New Zealand emphasized that "genomic interventions ignoring the worldview of indigenous peoples like the Maori undermine cultural sustainability."sciencemediacentre.co.nz

Additionally, over 60,000 signatures have been collected on social media calling for **increased regulation on "gene hackers."** If regulations become excessively stringent, academic research may also be stifled. A "triangular consultation" between the tech industry, policymakers, and local communities is essential.

7. Economics and Investment—The Business Model Supporting "Life"

The estimated cost of genome conservation projects ranges from several million to tens of millions of dollars per project. The reduction in CRISPR reagent costs accumulated in the agricultural sector is a tailwind, and venture investment is rapidly increasing.Colossal raised $200 million in Series C last winter and announced it would allocate funds to the "genetic rewilding" of Pink Pigeons and Dodos.CRISPR Medicine

However, as a "public good" with uncertain market returns, a long-term funding mechanism through public-private partnerships is key.

8. Implications for Japan: Okinawa Rail, Crested Ibis, and...

In Japan, the Okinawa Rail and the Crested Ibis of Sado are also considered typical examples of "increased numbers but poor genetic diversity."
The research team proposed in their paper the establishment of a global network of "frozen gene banks" utilizing national museum collections, opening up avenues to leverage Japan's specimen assets.

9. Roadmap to Implementation

1. Reference Genome Development

2. Ethical Review & Stakeholder Dialogue

3. Lab Verification → Trial Editing in Captive Populations

4. Monitoring & Data Sharing Platform

5. Integrated Plan for Ex-situ Conservation and In-situ Release
   "Adaptive management" that rotates these steps incrementally is required.
   
   
   

10. Final Chapter—Is the "Rewilding" of Genes a Dream or an Inevitability?

The 20th century was a century of "protecting species." The 21st century may become a century of "protecting genes." While the technology is radical, its value will be determined by society. Gene rescue can be seen as an act of "jointly designing the future ecosystem."

Scientific Rigor, Ethical Inclusion, Public Transparency—when this trinity is in place, the flutter of the Pink Pigeon will become the standard in a world where "lost diversity returns."