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Genome of near-extinct northern white rhino offers hope for reviving the species
- Scientists mapped the complete genome of a northern white rhinoceros in 2025 using preserved cells from Angalifu, a male who died in 2014 at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
- This effort continues a long-standing initiative that began in 2007, motivated by the critical situation of the northern white rhino, which now only has a pair of remaining females and lacks natural reproductive possibilities due to severe losses from poaching.
- The research published in a leading scientific journal utilized state-of-the-art DNA sequencing and genome assembly methods to produce a high-quality reference genome, facilitating the examination of existing northern white rhinoceros stem cell lines.
- Loring explained that without first creating this genome, they would have missed identifying a critical mutation in some stem cell lines that impacted more than 200 genes, including those related to reproduction and tumor suppression.
- The genome serves as a crucial tool guiding efforts to produce healthy embryos via lab-grown sperm and eggs for implantation, potentially restoring this critically endangered species and aiding broader conservation.
32 Articles
32 Articles
Scientists edge closer to saving the Northern White Rhino from extinction
There are only two critically endangered Northern White Rhinos left in the world, both of them female, both unable to carry a pregnancy. After successful tests, scientists say they're close to producing the first new offspring with the help of a surrogate mother and lab-produced embryos
Science Daily
Phys.orgGenome of near-extinct northern white rhino offers hope for reviving the species
The northern white rhinoceros is one of the rarest animals on Earth, with just two females left and no natural way for the species to reproduce. Now, scientists have mapped the entire genome of a northern white rhino. This represents a crucial step toward bringing the critically endangered species back from the edge using advanced reproductive technologies. The complete genome can be used as a reference to analyze the health of previously develo…
The rhino lay frozen in the sand, its glassy eyes open, its horn roughly cut off. Welcome to the South African school that trains forensic scientists who specialize in wildlife crime.
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