After dire wolf, scientists plan to revive Bluebuck Antelope extinct for 200 years

After the successful de-extinction of dire wolves, scientists from Colossal Biosciences are planning to bring back the Bluebuck Antelope, lost for over 200 years.

On Thursday, Texas-based startup said, at the heart of de-extinction efforts would be the use of genetic technology. The bluebuck antelope once native to southern Africa was the first large mammal to go extinct in modern history.

Bluebuck was known for its silvery-blue coat and curved horn. During the European colonial settlement of the Cape, it was hunted to great extent, leading to its extinction.

According to the researchers, the de-extinction of bluebuck is highly beneficial for the environment as these mammals graze on plants and turn them into manure across the landscape.

The bluebuck has become the sixth species and the first antelope to join Colossal’s de-extinction shortlist. CEO Ben Lamm described the project as a "pivotal step" toward "protecting entire ecosystems."

Lamm said, “The bluebuck represents a pivotal step forward for Colossal and conservation, marking our first major focus on antelope conservation — one we can now pursue because of major developments with the necessary technologies.”

“Every reproductive technology, genome editing protocol, and conservation tool we develop through this effort is designed to scale — directly benefiting the 29 antelope species currently at risk.

“By focusing on the bluebuck, we’re not only working to restore a lost species, but also building solutions that can help protect entire ecosystems.”

The de-extinction process involves reconstructing a highly-quality genome of the bluebuck using preserved specimens and studying its genetic makeup.

Right now, the scientists are working on roan antelope cells due to its genetic proximity with bluebuck. With genetic modification, these cells will introduce bluebuck DNA, aiming to create embryos. Later, these embryos would be carried by surrogate animals.

However, the researchers have not revealed a definite timeline to create embryos.

The situation is also bleak for other antelope species. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, of 90 species, 29 are on the verge of extinction due to decline in population.

Colossal biosciences is working on plans to revive the wooly mammoth and dado under de-extinction project.