The genetic engineering firm Colossal is attempting to revive the Tasmanian tiger in addition to bringing back the woolly mammoth. The Thylacine Integrated Genetic Restoration Research, or TIGRR, Lab at the University of Melbourne is collaborating with Colossal Laboratories and Biosciences in an effort to reintroduce the Australian thylacine (Tasmanian tiger), a predator that was eradicated in the early 20th century.
In order to finally produce an embryo, researchers will use CRISPR gene editing technology and the entire Tasmanian tiger genome from a preserved specimen from the TIGRR Lab.
The laboratory has also located other living mammals with comparable DNA to supply the process’s required cells.
When Colossal revealed intentions to use elephant DNA to revive the woolly mammoth last year, the company attracted notice.
In other Jurassic Park-esque news, scientists from Shantou University in China and the University of Copenhagen recently unveiled intentions to revive the Christmas Island rat, a smaller mammal.
The ultimate goal for the Tasmanian tiger is to reestablish it on Tasmania, an island off the southeast coast of Australia that is also home to the endangered Tasmanian devil.
The Tasmanian tiger normally reached heights of 20–27 inches, lengths of 39–51 inches, and weights of up to 65 pounds. According to Colossal’s website, it had a top speed of 24 mph and consumed small mammals, reptiles, and birds.
The tiger’s young lived and drank milk in the mother’s pouch like a marsupial.