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| title | chunk | source | category | tags | date_saved | instance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen zoo | 3/3 | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frozen_zoo | reference | science, encyclopedia | 2026-05-05T09:06:16.788437+00:00 | kb-cron |
The Pyrenean ibex went extinct in 2000. In 2003 frozen cells from the last one (a female killed by a falling branch) were used to clone 208 embryos, of which 7 successfully implanted in goats, and one made it to term. That one ibex died of respiratory failure just after birth; quite possibly as a result of the cloning process, its lungs had not developed properly. There may not be enough individuals' cells preserved to create a breeding population. Despite the death of the ibex, DNA analysis revealed that the offspring was a legitimate clone from its last living descendent.
== Potential candidates ==
=== White rhinoceros === Over the years, concerns over population declines of the northern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum cottoni) have increased with the increasing value of their horns to poachers. Specifically, the population has declined nearly seventy percent from 2011 to 2019. Processes like SCNT can help aid in conservation efforts towards the revival of their population. Researchers are looking towards induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), as they hold limitless possibilities. With the lack of natural mating occurring within the species due to the limited number of them, this sub-species provides researchers the opportunity for iPSC intervention. Other methods, including artificial insemination with fresh semen (AI), have been used successfully in another sub-species, the Southern White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum). Frozen-thawed semen has been tested and has seen some successes, helping solve issues with reproduction of the species as a whole.
== See also == Cryoconservation of animal genetic resources Cryopreservation Ex-situ conservation Genetic pollution Genetic erosion Gene pool Endangered species List of conservation topics Extinction SVF Foundation Svalbard Global Seed Vault National Ice Core Laboratory Amphibian Ark Coral reef organizations Rosetta Project Colossal Biosciences
== References ==