The push to bring back the dodo, a flightless bird long believed extinct since the late 1600s, has gained fresh momentum through a collaboration between Colossal Biosciences, a genetic engineering company, and the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, a nonprofit conservation group that works closely with Mauritian authorities. This alliance centers on reviving a species once native to Mauritius and restoring its role in the island’s ecosystem.
Extinction is a central objective for Colossal Biosciences, and with the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation providing field expertise in bird rescue and habitat monitoring, the initiative emphasizes restoring the native dodo’s habitat on the eastern coast of Africa’s island paradise, Mauritius. The strategy rests on ensuring that the reintroduced population would have a viable home that meets the biological needs essential for survival.
As with any ambitious de-extinction effort, the team stresses that success hinges on releasing animals into the wild where they can truly thrive. The aim is to reestablish a self-sustaining population in a suitable environment, allowing natural behaviors and ecological roles to resume. Colossal’s animal director, Matt James, expressed cautious optimism in a statement shared with IFLScience, underscoring the importance of collaboration with Mauritius to realize the dodo’s resurgence.
Historically, the dodo disappeared after Europeans settled Mauritius in the 17th century. The birds were ground-nesters with limited flight ability, making them highly vulnerable to hunting and to predation by introduced species such as dogs, cats, pigs, rats, and macaques. This combination of human activity and introduced predators precipitated a rapid decline in numbers.
They were silent, flightless birds that nested on the ground, making them easy targets for predators.
The decline accelerated over time, and the last confirmed sighting of a living dodo occurred around 1662. Some analyses suggest the species hung on until about 1690, but most evidence points to a complete absence by the early 1700s. In the decades since, researchers have pieced together a clearer picture of the dodo’s history and its ecological context.
Leading the scientific effort is Beth Shapiro, a member of Colossal’s Scientific Advisory Board, who was pivotal in sequencing the dodo’s genome. Her work has helped establish a blueprint for reconstructing the species at the genomic level and identifying viable pathways for de-extinction initiatives. These insights form the foundation for contemporary endeavors in genome science and conservation biology.
Constructing a reference genome
Presently, the project involves examining primitive germ cells from the Nicobar pigeon, the dodo’s closest living relative, to assemble a reference genome. Parallel work includes developing genetically modified chickens to stand in as surrogates or models for certain genetic manipulations associated with the dodo lineage. The approach aims to anchor a robust genomic framework that can support future cloning or breeding strategies while keeping ethical and ecological considerations at the forefront.
As Colossal’s founder and CEO, Ben Lamm, explained, identifying the closest existing relative is a critical first step. A reference genome requires a living analogue that shares a meaningful evolutionary connection, and tissue samples from that lineage are essential to building a reliable template for reconstruction. This careful calibration helps scientists map ancient genetic information onto a modern framework that can support further study and experimentation.
Subsequent steps involve sourcing ancient DNA from preserved tissues of the dodo or closely related specimens. Ancient DNA is typically fragmented and fragile, requiring meticulous laboratory techniques to prevent contamination and to piece together coherent genetic sequences. The process is painstaking but grounded in well-established methods used in paleogenomics and comparative genomics.
Past remains offer clues to the dodo’s biology. For instance, scientists have extracted DNA from a skull held by the Natural History Museum of Denmark, enabling a more complete reconstruction of the dodo genome. Such findings provide a reference point for understanding the species’ genetic makeup and for modeling how it might be reconstituted in modern contexts.
Beyond the dodo, Colossal Biosciences envisions reviving other iconic extinct species. One of the most dramatic potential projects involves bringing back the woolly mammoth, with public statements suggesting a target to demonstrate a mammoth specimen by 2028. Techniques pursued in these efforts draw on parallel genomic strategies intended to echo these extraordinary aims while addressing the practical realities of real-world ecological reintegration.
How the dodo became a symbol of extinction is rooted in its size and life history. The bird stood about a meter tall, with greyish plumage and an estimated mass that has varied in scientific estimates from roughly 10 to 17.5 kilograms. Its beak measured about 23 centimeters, crowned by a curved tip likely suited for cracking tough shells. The legs were sturdy and yellow, and a few curled feathers adorned its back. The dodo could not fly because its wings were comparatively small relative to its body mass, and the sternum could not generate the thrust needed for flight. This combination of traits and ecological pressures contributed to its ground-dwelling lifestyle and susceptibility to predators and human impact.
Historically, the dodo has often been depicted as a bulky and awkward bird, though early scientific naming and illustrations have been reevaluated over time. Contemporary researchers emphasize a more nuanced view of the dodo’s appearance and behavior, contrasting popular depictions with scientific analysis. Modern scholarship continues to refine this portrait as new data emerge from genetic and archeological sources.
Researchers and conservationists acknowledge the complexity of de-extinction efforts. While the goal is to expand our understanding of genetics, evolution, and ecological restoration, practical considerations—such as habitat suitability, disease risk, and ecosystem balance—remain central to any proposed revival. The work is conducted with a careful eye toward preserving native biodiversity and avoiding unintended consequences for Mauritius and its existing wildlife. This ongoing dialogue between science and stewardship reflects a broader commitment to responsible innovation in conservation biology.
Biologists emphasize that any future revival would depend on a careful assessment of the island’s current environment and the capacity of a reintroduced population to sustain itself over time. The work is conducted with transparency and collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and the Mauritian public, with the aim of enriching Mauritius’s natural heritage while maintaining ecological integrity and biodiversity. The de-extinction project is discussed within the broader context of genome science and conservation ethics as scientists explore what is possible, what is prudent, and how to balance curiosity with responsibility.