The bluebuck was lost to overhunting and habitat loss around 1800, making it the first large African mammal driven to extinction in historical times. Now, a US biotech company wants to use advanced genome editing and roan antelope surrogates to bring a recreated version of the blue-grey grazer back to South African soil.
This raises a fascinating clash between cutting-edge technology, ethics, and traditional wildlife management: if the science succeeds, should de-extinct species like the bluebuck be released into South African wild reserves?
Yes – It restores lost heritage and drives crucial conservation tech
Only in strictly managed, private sanctuaries first
No – Funds and focus should go to living endangered species
Hi - I visited the Natural Museum of natural History in Paris in 2018 , where they had one of the original extinct Bluebuck-Antelope mounted hides on display. After much searching around in the museum, we finally located it amongst the domestic animals on show. See Picture attached. I saw it had a goat like beard and was about 4 feet tall. However, I missed seeing a blue shine or similar on this blue antelope. I can only presume the hide has faded quite a bit over time and lost the blue shine. I did also feel it was out of place and did not belong there and would be better placed in South African museum. Perhaps it can be returned one day like the Zimbabwean birds…
As to bringing back the species, I fear science will probably go ahead one day without any debate on these futuristic matters.
Yes – It restores lost heritage and drives crucial conservation tech
Only in strictly managed, private sanctuaries first
No – Funds and focus should go to living endangered species