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Pleistocene rewilding

Discussion in 'Russia' started by jusko88, 18 Dec 2012.

  1. jusko88

    jusko88 Well-Known Member

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    Where the 3 Rivers Flow
    Has anyone heard of this place? Pleistocene Park in Russia. The park has animals such as Wolverine, Musk Ox, Moose and Eurasian Wolf.There are plans to introduce the Saiga Antelope, Asiatic Lion, Siberian Roe Deer and Snow Sheep in the park. But listen to what the nature park reserve wants to do or maybe already has done.

    Animals that could be placed in the park in the event of being 'resurrected' from extinction:

    Woolly Mammoth: In January 2011, it was reported in Yomiuri Shimbun that a team of scientists at Kyoto University planned to extract DNA from a mammoth carcass that had been preserved in a Russian laboratory and insert it into the egg cells of an African elephant in hopes of producing a mammoth embryo. If the experiment right, the puppy will be taken to the park where he (and possibly others), restored the species. The researchers said they hoped to produce a baby mammoth within six years.

    Woolly Rhinoceros (?): A completely preserved specimen (missing only skin and hooves) was discovered in a tar pit in Starunia, Poland. It is possible that DNA ainde remains preserved enough to clone the animal. Along with the DNA of a Sumatran Rhino to complete the sequence, a hybrid could be introduced in the park.

    Cave Hyena (?): Recent DNA analysis of Cave Hyena indicate that there is not much difference between it and modern spotted hyenas. Perhaps, in a not too distant future, it may come to be "resurrected" from extinction through its African cousin.

    Does anyone know more about this? Whats the status on this? What are your thoughts on this?
     
  2. DesertRhino150

    DesertRhino150 Well-Known Member 10+ year member

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    For anyone interested, here is the official website of the Russian 'Pleistocene Park'.

    Pleistocene Park: Restoration of the Mammoth Steppe Ecosystem

    Six species have been returned already: Yakutian horse, bison, musk ox, reindeer, Bactrian wapiti and moose (already present)

    Other species planned to be released include saiga antelope (critical for controlling poisonous herbs) wild yak, Bactrian camel, Asiatic lion, spotted hyaena, Amur leopard and Siberian tiger.

    Personally, I am interested by this angle of the research but am not very hopeful of any success cloning any extinct species back to a meaningful existance.