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Colossal Biosciences Targets Bluebuck Antelope for Revival

On Thursday, Colossal Biosciences announced plans to use genetic technology to bring back the bluebuck, the first large African mammal to go extinct in modern history and the company's first antelope de-extinction target.
Hunted to extinction around 1800 by European settlers in South Africa's Cape region, the bluebuck had existed for at least 400,000 years before vanishing mere decades after its formal scientific discovery.
Researchers will edit roan antelope cells to match the bluebuck genome, requiring nearly 100 functional edits. Colossal genome engineer Scott Barish noted the process involves filtering millions of variants to identify key phenotypes defining the species.
Partnering with the Endangered Wildlife Trust, Colossal aims to restore the bluebuck's grassland habitat and fortify endangered antelope populations. Colossal CEO and co-founder Ben Lamm called the initiative a "pivotal step" to protect entire ecosystems.
The project advances Colossal's BioVault program, creating a "modern-day Noah's Ark" of genetic material for future conservation. Chief Animal Officer Matt James noted that reproductive technologies developed here could help save other endangered species on the brink of extinction.

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Colossal Plans De-Extinction Project for the Bluebuck — and an Effort to Help Save African Antelope Populations

Learn about Colossal Biosciences' de-extinction project involving the bluebuck, an antelope that disappeared from South Africa over two centuries ago.

9 hours ago·Jupiter, United States

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