News that communicates the extinction of an animal species never leaves people indifferent. For the various reasons behind this end, human activity may be the explanation in many cases. In the 1980s, the world learned that the black-footed ferret was officially extinct in the wild, and is now considered a highly threatened species.
Towards hope, a group of American scientists has successfully cloned a black-footed ferret, through the DNA of an animal frozen over 30 years ago.
Frozen species DNA gave rise to Elizabeth Ann
Science continues to evolve and, further proof of that, is Elizabeth Ann, the first ferret cloned in the United States of America. The birth of the animal was announced by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and represented a first for an endangered species.
Having already been considered extinct, all animals of the black-footed ferret species are descendants of seven ancestors found in 1981. So, as scientists say, Elizabeth Ann represents a "bold step forward".
The cloning was made possible by the DNA of Willa, an animal identical to the ferret that has been frozen and preserved since 1988.
This is because the Wyoming Game & Fish Department preserved its genes and sent tissue samples from Willa to the Frozen Zoo at the San Diego Zoo Global in 1988. These genes have now provided viable cell cultures.
However, this was not one of the seven original ancestors, because, before these were found, it was believed that the species would be extinct.
In turn, Willa, who has no living descendants, was captured in the wild. Still, the researchers believe that their clones can increase genetic diversity and help the recovery of endangered species, such as the black-footed ferret.
To create Elizabeth Ann, ViaGen Pets & Equine successfully transferred the embryo to a replacement ferret.
For more information, you can also go here: https://t.co/ODZ4F5WL1p
— US Fish and Wildlife (@USFWSMtnPrairie) February 18, 2021
Black-footed ferrets vaccinated against COVID-19
According to the team responsible for cloning, Elizabeth Ann will not be released into the wild. Instead, she will live in the facilities where she was born, so that scientists can study her.
As is known, the black-footed ferret is the only ferret species in North America, in addition to being among the most threatened mammals in this subcontinent. In such a way that, during the summer, the scientists vaccinated 120 animals against COVID-19.
Remember that, in order to prevent the spread of the infection, tens of thousands of mink, a relative of the ferret, were slaughtered.
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