Doug Burgum, the US interior secretary, argues for a re-evaluation of the Endangered Species List, stating that 97% of the species added remain indefinitely. He links this stagnation to an overemphasis on regulation over innovation. Burgum refers to advancements in de-extinction technology, citing the start-up Colossal's claim of reviving the dire wolf as an example of how modern genetic techniques could transform conservation efforts. However, critics highlight that the resurrected creatures aren't truly their extinct counterparts, posing questions about the authenticity and effectiveness of such scientific endeavors in conservation.
"The Endangered Species List has become like the Hotel California: once a species enters, they never leave," wrote Burgum in a statement on X.
"The revival of the Dire Wolf heralds the advent of a thrilling new era of scientific wonder, showcasing how the concept of 'de-extinction' can serve as a bedrock for modern species conservation," Burgum proclaimed.
"In fact, 97 percent of species that are added to the endangered list remain there. This is because the status quo is focused on regulation more than innovation."
That's a pretty bold claim. And the thing about the 'dire wolves' brought back from extinction is that they're not really dire wolves.
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