Biologist Durrell Kapan, alongside volunteers, is attempting to revive ecological roles lost due to extinction by releasing Silvery Blue butterflies in San Francisco. The Xerces Blue Butterfly, extinct for over 80 years due to human activities, serves as a poignant reminder of the species' fragility. The recent claim of successfully bringing back Dire wolves has renewed interest in de-extinction, but also raised concerns over potential risks, with a debate surrounding the ethical implications and efficacy of such efforts in genuine conservation.
"Just over 80 years ago, Xerces Blue Butterfly last flapped its wings over the Presidio, becoming the first butterfly on the continent known to go extinct as a result of human activity."
"The idea of de-extinction is that it's part of the spectrum of restoring lost species and ecological roles in environments," said Ben Novak, lead scientist at Revive and Restore.
"While many in the movement say their work could be essential for preserving life on earth, some fear that use or abuse of these techniques could be a distraction or worse, harm the very conservation cause they claim to fight for."
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