Breakthrough reconstruction of the almost complete genome of the Tasmanian tiger from a pickled fossil skull has raised exciting possibilities of resurrecting the extinct species, according to scientists. The achievement, which was recently announced by Colossal, a species preservation company, involves creating the “highest quality” genome of the iconic thylacine, a marsupial native to Australia.
Colossal believes that this research could not only aid in bringing back the Tasmanian tiger but also contribute to efforts to address the current extinction crisis. The Tasmanian tiger, which played a crucial role in the Tasmanian ecosystem, was tragically hunted to extinction at the beginning of the 20th century. However, because of its relatively recent extinction, well-preserved specimens of the marsupial are available for study.
Unlike most ancient fossil specimens that only retain short DNA sequences, the 110-year-old thylacine specimen contained long DNA sequences. Scientists at Colossal were even able to isolate RNA from soft tissues of the complete thylacine head specimen, preserved in ethanol. Evolutionary biologist and Colossal’s chief science officer, Beth Shapiro, described these samples as among the “best preserved ancient specimens.”
The pickled fossil of the Tasmanian tiger allowed the researchers to reconstruct a genome that is 99.9% accurate, making it the most comprehensive ancient genome of any species known to date, according to Colossal. While the results are yet to be published in a peer-reviewed study, this breakthrough could potentially revolutionise wildlife conservation and shed light on other “de-extinction projects” such as that of the woolly mammoth, says Dr. Shapiro.
Scientists are hopeful that by analysing key regions of the thylacine genome responsible for its distinctive skull and jaw shape, they could better understand the animal’s genetic makeup and characteristics. This research may provide insights into how the extinct marsupial interacted with its environment and how its brain functioned, opening up new avenues for scientific exploration.
Andrew Pask, a researcher at Colossal from the University of Melbourne, expressed optimism about leveraging these thorough genome resources to rebuild the Tasmanian tiger species. However, some experts are urging caution in response to Colossal’s announcement. While acknowledging the progress in genome reconstruction, Kristofer Helgen, chief scientist at Australian Museums Research, emphasised the importance of accompanying such announcements with peer-reviewed studies.
The potential revival of the Tasmanian tiger through cutting-edge genetic research marks a significant development in the field of conservation biology. With further advancements in understanding extinct species’ genomes, scientists are inching closer to unlocking the secrets of lost ecosystems and species, paving the way for a new era of biodiversity preservation and restoration.