The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF) has revealed an exciting partnership with Colossal Biosciences, a US-based genetic engineering and de-extinction company. This collaboration is focused on laying the groundwork for an ambitious project – "resurrecting and rewilding" the Dodo, an iconic bird species that has been extinct for centuries.
Efforts to revive the extinct Dodo species have long captured the imagination of scientists and conservationists worldwide. The partnership between Colossal Biosciences and the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation is set to propel this dream closer to reality.
"This partnership aims at setting up the ground work to be carried out in Mauritius for the ambitious project of resurrecting and rewilding the Dodo, together with our local partners, to make this project a success," the MWF said in a statement.
Additionally, the joint initiative will focus on restoring critical ecosystems through the removal of invasive species, revegetation, and community awareness efforts.
According to the MWF, these efforts will not only benefit the potential Dodo populations but also support the conservation of other native Mauritian species in the long term.
Moreover, the collaboration holds promise for broader biodiversity conservation efforts. It will explore the application of techniques developed for the Dodo to aid in the genetic rescue of the Pink Pigeon (Nesoenas mayeri), further demonstrating the potential positive impact of the project beyond resurrecting a single species.