The Cost of De-Extinction

A new study has found that de-extinction could actually lead to biodiversity loss rather than gain. Money spent on de-extinction would divert resources away from conservation programmes aimed at preventing the extinction of endangered animals.

Thylacine Cubs Image: Thylacine with three cubs, Hobart Zoo, 1909 [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

De-extinction, the possibility of bringing back extinct species, is a hot topic in conservation right now. Yet bringing back species such as the passenger pigeon, the thylacine or even the woolly mammoth brings with it social, legal and ethical ramifications.

The benefits could potentially be the restoration of ecosystems that have lost crucial species and increased scientific knowledge. And perhaps we have a moral duty to bring back species that we have killed off due to our actions. However, there are concerns too. There is a risk that the returning species would be alien and potentially invasive, their habitats and food sources may have changed, the problems that led to their extinction may still be unsolved, and ethical concerns about “playing God” and the risk that animals brought back would be exploited by humans.

One major argument against de-extinction has been addressed in a new study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution – that of the overwhelming cost, which would divert resources away from current conservation actions in place to prevent the extinction of endangered species. The study found that bringing back extinct species could lead to biodiversity loss rather than gain. The research suggests that further stretching already-strained conservation budgets to cover the costs of de-extinction could endanger species still in existence (extant species).

The study analysed the number of species governments in New Zealand and in New South Wales, Australia could afford to conserve, basing cost estimates on recently extinct species and similar extant species. Among the extinct species included in the calculations were the Lord Howe pigeon, eastern bettong, bush moa and Waitomo frog.

The researchers found that reintroducing some recently extinct species to their old habitats might improve biodiversity locally, but government-funded conservation for 11 focal extinct species in New Zealand would sacrifice conservation for nearly three times as many (31) extant species. External funding for conservation of the five focal extinct species in New South Wales could instead be used to conserve more than eight times (42) extant species.

“If the risk of failure and the costs associated with establishing viable populations could also be calculated, estimates of potential net losses or missed opportunities would probably be considerably higher,” said Professor Hugh Possingham from the University of Queensland. “De-extinction could be useful for inspiring new science and could be beneficial for conservation if we ensure it doesn’t reduce existing conservation resources. However, in general it is best if we focus on the many species that need our help now. Given the considerable potential for missed opportunity, and risks inherent in assuming a resurrected species would fulfil its role as an ecosystem engineer or flagship species, it is unlikely that de-extinction could be justified on grounds of biodiversity conservation.”

Although the technology for de-extinction is still some way off, this research shows that careful thought would be required about species to reintroduce, and where. But also whether the money should instead be used to conserve the thousands of species currently facing extinction, before they too disappear.

Tags:

One Comment

  • Concentrate on the ecosystem, the de-extinctions can wait until the ecosystem recovers enough to support the wildlife.

    Gina Collis 14th March 2019 at 8:26 am Reply
Reply to Gina Collis

Your email address will not be published.*

Tick the box or answer the captcha.

You might also like

  • New Hope for Snubby

    A comprehensive status review of the Myanmar snub-nosed monkey has shown that, despite still facing threats to its its small populations, the species is benefiting from community-based conservation awareness work.

    By Alex Taylor
  • Bear Necessities

    Andean bears are threatened by climate change and habitat loss. A new study has revealed that water is a rare but critical resource, and important for their survival.

    By Alex Taylor
  • Pine Martens Help Control Grey Squirrels

    Pine martens are making a comeback in Scotland, which is suppressing populations of the invasive grey squirrel – this in turn is helping the recovery of the native red squirrel.

    By Alex Taylor
  • Marine Species on the Move

    Rising temperatures caused by climate change have resulted in a shift in population sizes of marine species – in general, populations are growing at the poles and declining at the equator.

    By Alex Taylor