Gene Editing as a Tool for Conservation: Reviving Endangered Species

In an era marked by unprecedented environmental changes, scientists are exploring innovative solutions to combat the decline of endangered species. A team of researchers from the University of East Anglia and Colossal Biosciences has proposed the use of gene editing technologies, such as CRISPR, to restore genetic diversity in threatened populations. Their study, published in *Nature Reviews Biodiversity* on July 19, 2025, outlines both the potential benefits and risks associated with this cutting-edge approach.

The ongoing loss of biodiversity has reached alarming levels, with many species suffering from a lack of genetic diversity necessary for adaptation to climate change, disease, and habitat loss. Traditional conservation efforts have had some success, yet they often fail to address the underlying genetic impoverishment that occurs during population bottlenecks. Professor Cock van Oosterhout of the University of East Anglia, who co-led the study, explains, "When species face drastic population declines, they lose valuable genetic variants, which can lead to long-term negative impacts on their resilience."

The research team identifies several methods through which gene editing could augment conservation strategies. One approach involves recovering genetic variants from historical specimens housed in natural history museums and biobanks. By extracting DNA from these samples, researchers could potentially reintroduce lost alleles into current populations, enhancing their genetic toolkit. This method could be particularly beneficial for species like the pink pigeon of Mauritius, which, despite a numerical recovery from just ten individuals in the 1990s to over 600 today, still suffers from low genetic diversity.

Another avenue highlighted in the study is the facilitated adaptation of endangered species. By transferring genes from closely related species that are better adapted to changing environmental conditions, conservationists could provide struggling populations with a much-needed genetic boost. Additionally, gene editing could be utilized to correct harmful mutations that have become fixed in populations during their decline, thereby improving reproductive success and overall health.

However, the application of gene editing in wildlife conservation is not without its controversies. Critics express concerns over the risks of off-target effects and the potential for further reducing genetic diversity. According to Dr. Hernán Morales, a conservation biologist at the Globe Institute at the University of Copenhagen, "Genome editing should never be viewed as a panacea. It must complement existing conservation strategies rather than replace them."

The authors of the study advocate for a cautious approach to implementing gene editing in conservation. They recommend starting with small-scale, monitored trials, emphasizing the importance of robust ethical oversight and community engagement. This is crucial, as conservation actions often intersect with local livelihoods and cultural values. Public involvement is essential before the release of any genome-edited individuals into the wild.

The potential collaboration between biotech companies and conservation non-profits could open new funding opportunities for endangered species programs. As Beth Shapiro, Chief Science Officer at Colossal Biosciences, notes, "The same technological advances that allow us to introduce genes of mammoths into the genome of an elephant can also be harnessed to rescue species teetering on the brink of extinction."

While gene editing offers a promising new tool in the conservation toolbox, it is not a substitute for habitat restoration, combating poaching, or addressing climate change. Ultimately, as the authors contend, gene editing could provide crucial genetic resources that allow endangered species to adapt and survive in an increasingly unpredictable world. With careful monitoring and collaboration, this innovative approach may help to preserve Earth's biodiversity for future generations.