Dodo 'de-extinction' announcement causes conservation debate

^{Photo by McGill Library on Unsplash}

The dodo has joined an exclusive club, becoming one of the species suggested for de-extinction.

While some argue de-extinction could help to restore damaged ecosystems, others believe it is an expensive distraction from the threats facing living species.

One of the icons of extinction could walk the Earth again, if a biotech firm has its way.

Colossal Biosciences first hit the headlines after announcing projects aiming to resurrect extinct species such as the woolly mammoth and thylacine. The dodo is now within its sights following the injection of a reported $150 million into the company.

In a video explaining the reasoning behind the project, the firm said that 'through bringing back this cherished species, we will develop the knowledge base and tools required to halt the harrowing decline in our bird population.'

'In doing so, we'll bring conservation to the forefront of our cultural zeitgeist, bring balance back to avian species and the countless ecosystems they inhabit, and bring a little bit of magic back to Mauritius.'

However, as with Colossal's previous 'de-extinction' announcements...