Tasmanian tiger could walk Earth again by 2036
Melbourne University team led by Professor Andrew Pask targets 2036 to create first living Tasmanian tiger using genetic editing.
Scientists are on track to bring the Tasmanian tiger back from extinction by 2036. The year 2036 marks the 100th anniversary of the last known animal's death.
Researchers have already sequenced the full thylacine genome using remains held in museums. The Fat-tailed Dunnart, a tiny marsupial about 99.8 per cent genetically identical to the tiger, is being used as the host species.
Gene-editing tools modify the dunnart's DNA to match the thylacine's. Cloning will create a live animal.
A newborn thylacine would only be about the size of a grain of rice. It could survive in a dunnart mother's pouch.
Professor Andrew Pask said the technology is well advanced. Artificial intelligence now helps speed up the process.
- September 7, 1936
- Last death date
- 90 years
- Years extinct
- 99.8 per cent identical to thylacine
- Genetic match
Why it mattersA species extinct for 90 years could be brought back to life, showing the power of genetic science to reverse extinctions and offering hope for other endangered species.
AustraliaTasmanian tiger revival would be an Australian conservation milestone and put Australian scientists at the forefront of de-extinction research.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 12 d ago
