Colossal Biosciences is planning to de-extinct the moa, a group of birds from New Zealand. The company will utilize genes extracted from moa bones to engineer modern birds that resemble the extinct species. The collaboration with the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre is supported by $15 million funding from Sir Peter Jackson. Moa were widespread in New Zealand before Polynesian settlers caused their extinction through hunting and habitat destruction. Advances in genome editing may allow for their reintroduction to their natural habitat.
Colossal Biosciences will use genes extracted from moa bones to engineer modern birds until they very closely resemble the extinct moa.
The nine species of moa were found widely across New Zealand until the arrival of the first Polynesian settlers around 1300 AD.
Advances in genome editing techniques mean Colossal Biosciences may be able to reintroduce the lost moa back to its natural habitat.
The project will be done in collaboration with the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre at the University of Canterbury and backed by $15 million in funding.
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