002A-00 woolly mammoth
002B-00 thylacine
002C-00 dodo
002E-00 dire wolf
003-00 conservation
004-00 science & technology
005-00 A BETTER WORLD
006-00 COMPANY
007-00 Labs
008-00 NEWS
009-00 Advisors
010-00 education
011-00 elephant conservation
At Colossal, we're not just committed to safeguarding the future. We're committed to reintroducing species—both endangered and extinct—to the natural habitats that need them.
Through the restoration of Earth’s extinct, endangered and threatened species, dwindling population numbers—even those at zero—lie at the forefront of our team’s revolutionary efforts. And we’re pursuing our goals in ways that have never been seen before.
OUR PLANET IN CRISIS
The Colossal Foundation is focused on rapidly flowing Colossal’s technological advancements to partner-led conservation initiatives, to revolutionize wildlife conservation and ecosystem restoration, providing financial support, technology products and opportunities for local partners globally who are fighting to support the most imperilled species in the world.
The Colossal Foundation is focused on rapidly flowing Colossal’s technological advancements to partner-led conservation initiatives, to revolutionize wildlife conservation and ecosystem restoration, providing financial support, technology products and opportunities for local partners globally who are fighting to support the most imperilled species in the world.
Learn More About 
At the heart of Colossal’s science and technology innovations are our partnerships, where together, we work with industry leaders to advance conservation and restore biodiversity for the benefit of all life on Earth.
Colossal Conservation Advisory Member
“Our planet now faces a global extinction crisis never experienced since the dawn of man, and scientists predict more than one million species are on the path to extinction in the coming decades. This crisis is entirely of our own making. Colossal is a unique, bold initiative that, while working on de-extinction projects, will generate new knowledge and technologies to help rescue and sustain many endangered species before it is too late.”
The devastation caused by extinction doesn't simply impact the species lost. Every population that reaches zero creates a domino effect which threatens all life on Earth. Currently, our planet is in the midst of its sixth mass extinction event—the only event to have been caused solely by human activity. At Colossal, we believe that without taking immediate action and developing revolutionary, life-giving biotechnologies, humanity may soon be in line with the other departed species.
“A world without huge regions of total wilderness would be a cage; a world without [mammals like] bison would be — will be — a human zoo. A high-tech slum.” - Edward Abbey
A HEALTHY planet
is a biodiverse planet.
Without question, biodiversity is critical to the continued existence of life on Earth. It offers life-changing medicinal resources, is essential to global nutrient cycles and acts as the ultimate key to life’s resilience. All organisms—regardless of size, species or ecological background rely—both directly and indirectly—on biodiversity to survive.
Our Responsibility
Without proactive conservation and biodiversification efforts, the biosphere we know and depend on will experience fundamental degradation. Humanity itself is at risk of extinction. And what a waste it would be, because, of all life on earth, we are the only species evolved enough to reverse its sixth mass extinction event.
Species currently experiencing population decline.
Species saved by conservation efforts since 1990. A number Colossal is committed to help grow.
"Reintroducing just 9 species or groups of species would help limit global warming to less than the 2.7°F threshold set by the Paris Agreement." [source]
It is forcasted that our planet could lose up to 50% of all biodiversity by 2050. This biodiversity loss will eventually lead to a full economic and societal collapse.
Some major factors which contribute to global species’ population decline are:
= Caused by humans
Habitat Loss
Habitat Loss: The elimination or alteration of the conditions necessary for animals and plants to survive.
Habitat loss is the greatest threat to the variety of life on this planet today. It is the largest threat to 85% of the species named on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List.
Overfishing
Overfishing: to fish an area or a marine organism excessively, or to exhaust the supply of usable fish in certain waters.
More than 33% of all sharks, rays, and chimaeras (soft-bodied sharks) are now at risk of extinction due to overfishing.
Climate Change
Pollution
Poaching
Inbreeding (due to fragmentation of habitats and populations)
Genetic Predisposition to Disease
Awakening
The Past
From Conservation to Stem Cell Reprogramming, Colossal is working toward optimizing and restoring our world.
Wolves are considered keystone species, meaning they have a disproportionately large impact on their environment relative to their abundance. So what would happen if they disappeared from their ecosystems?
Wolves are the true top-down drivers of an ecosystem food chain, not bears. Wolves keep herbivores at healthy populations by focusing on the old or the sick. Wolf kills provide sustenance to a wide variety of animals, including bears, eagles, coyotes, and ravens.
Extensive browsing by herbivores scours vegetation, making riverbanks less stable. Plants that many species depend on to survive become limited, particularly aspen groves, and willows that would otherwise thrive along riverbanks. This prevents the root systems that sustain riverbank structure, and aids erosion.
Beavers use mud, grass, sticks, and trees as construction materials to build dams that serve many important purposes. They provide drinking water for mammals and breeding grounds and habitats for wetland species, including birds and fish. By modifying the environment, these beaver-made ponds control soil erosion, capture carbon, and support a variety of plants and wildlife.
As apex predators, wolves play a critical role in keeping ecosystems healthy and balanced. By hunting large grazers, including deer, moose, and elk, wolves help manage those populations--benefitting many plant and animal species.
When wolves hunt, they initiate many positive ripple effects in their ecosystems. Not only do they reduce their prey's numbers, but they also influence their behavior. To avoid predator ambushes, elk and deer alter their foraging patterns and spend less time eating in one place. This allows trees and shrubs to grow--creating new habitats for birds, insects, beavers, and other species. Carcasses left by wolves provide nutrients for bears and other scavengers like ravens, eagles, magpies, and coyotes.
Without overgrazing of herbivores, riparian zones (the grasses, trees and shrubs along the edges of rivers and streams) can recover and support an abundance of plants and wildlife. There are more berries available for grizzly bears to eat as part of their diverse diet.
The regenerating, dense riparian vegetation stabilizes the riverbanks, reduces flood water velocity, and helps rivers flow in new directions. Flourishing plants also provide habitats for birds, insects, and beyond–helping to maintain biodiversity.
Without wolves as their predator, herbivore populations increase–and natural resources to support their numbers decrease.
Overpopulation of herbivores leads to overgrazing of grass, shrubs, and trees, which negatively impacts other wildlife species. Huge herds of elk, for example, can cause significant changes to lush riverbank landscapes, including trampled streams and habitat loss.
When willow and aspen are overgrazed, small mammals can't hide from predators within dense plants. Bird populations decline when there are less trees to nest in. Beavers no longer have the tools to build their dams, which play a vital role in slowing the flow of streams and creating wetlands that serve as ecosystems for fish and other species.
Without vegetation and beaver dams, there are fewer microhabitats for species to thrive, leading to a loss of biodiversity.
Wolves & Ravens Team Up to Hunt
Wolves and ravens have a well-documented symbiotic relationship. Ravens help wolves to find pray, and after wolf kills, have their pick of the remains before many other scavenger species get their chance. This behavior is referred to as mutualistic behavior. Both species bring benefits to the other. Ravens have even been observed interacting in playful ways with wolf pups. They are known as “wolf birds” due to their close relationship with wolves.
Preventing Herbivores from Overgrazing
With wolves present in an ecosystem, the herbivores spend less time grazing near water sources and rivers, and more time in higher-elevated regions where they can see further to keep an eye on predators. With herbivores like elk constantly wary of wolves, the raparian zones along rivers grow to healthy heights and their root systems protect riverbanks. The trees then provide shade for fish and other freshwater species.
American Gray Wolves
As apex predators, wolves initiate a trophic cascade by
controlling the density and behavior of their prey. This
trickle-down effect from the top of the food chain creates
a healthy, balanced ecosystem
Benefits of American Wolves:
Ecosystem regulation and balance
Thriving raparian zones (grasses, trees, and shrubs along rivers and streams)
Increased ecosystem biodiversity
American Gray Wolves
As apex predators, wolves initiate a trophic cascade by
controlling the density and behavior of their prey. This
trickle-down effect from the top of the food chain creates
a healthy, balanced ecosystem
Benefits of American Wolves:
Ecosystem regulation and balance
Thriving raparian zones (grasses, trees, and shrubs along rivers and streams)
Increased ecosystem biodiversity
American Gray Wolves
As apex predators, wolves initiate a trophic cascade by
controlling the density and behavior of their prey. This
trickle-down effect from the top of the food chain creates
a healthy, balanced ecosystem
Benefits of American Wolves:
Ecosystem regulation and balance
Thriving raparian zones (grasses, trees, and shrubs along rivers and streams)
Increased ecosystem biodiversity
American Gray Wolves
As apex predators, wolves initiate a trophic cascade by
controlling the density and behavior of their prey. This
trickle-down effect from the top of the food chain creates
a healthy, balanced ecosystem
Benefits of American Wolves:
Ecosystem regulation and balance
Thriving raparian zones (grasses, trees, and shrubs along rivers and streams)
Increased ecosystem biodiversity
American Gray Wolves
As apex predators, wolves initiate a trophic cascade by
controlling the density and behavior of their prey. This
trickle-down effect from the top of the food chain creates
a healthy, balanced ecosystem
Benefits of American Wolves:
Ecosystem regulation and balance
Thriving raparian zones (grasses, trees, and shrubs along rivers and streams)
Increased ecosystem biodiversity
American Gray Wolves
As apex predators, wolves initiate a trophic cascade by
controlling the density and behavior of their prey. This
trickle-down effect from the top of the food chain creates
a healthy, balanced ecosystem
Benefits of American Wolves:
Ecosystem regulation and balance
Thriving raparian zones (grasses, trees, and shrubs along rivers and streams)
Increased ecosystem biodiversity
American Gray Wolves
As apex predators, wolves initiate a trophic cascade by
controlling the density and behavior of their prey. This
trickle-down effect from the top of the food chain creates
a healthy, balanced ecosystem
Benefits of American Wolves:
Ecosystem regulation and balance
Thriving raparian zones (grasses, trees, and shrubs along rivers and streams)
Increased ecosystem biodiversity
American Gray Wolves
As apex predators, wolves initiate a trophic cascade by
controlling the density and behavior of their prey. This
trickle-down effect from the top of the food chain creates
a healthy, balanced ecosystem
Benefits of American Wolves:
Ecosystem regulation and balance
Thriving raparian zones (grasses, trees, and shrubs along rivers and streams)
Increased ecosystem biodiversity
The Lineage of
Species Conservation
Conservation began as a form of applied science, with leaders from forestry, agronomy, geology and hydrology backgrounds playing pivotal roles. However, the public’s feelings toward and understanding of conservation was inherently dynamic — eventually creating years of political and social controversy.
Therefore, the conservation movement of the early twentieth century differs greatly from the environmental movement that arose after 1950, and even the version we have today. While early forms of conservation focused on scientifically planning the use of natural resources, environmentalists aimed to maintain species populations and the wild natural areas they inhabited.
A Movement is Born
Some historians argue that conservation began when British landscape architect, John Evelyn, presented his book “Sylva, or A Discourse of Forest Trees” to the Royal Society in 1662. And although his works established an important foothold, conservation efforts didn’t gain traction until the industrial era, nearly 100 years later.
Life on a Dying Planet
Since the shift of the 1950s, our situation has grown increasingly desperate. Resources are growing ever scarce. Entire ecosystems are dying off. Keystone species are either vanishing or suffering to survive. The human footprint is expanding and stomping on wild forests and jungles. (Source)
Fortunately, modern-day pioneers work around the clock — and the globe — to help put a stop to the decline.
Continuing Conservation Together
The conservation of tomorrow will always be determined by those who practice it today. Thanks to ever-increasing public interest and a growing investment into research and discovery, the scientific community’s methods, knowledge and equipment continue to advance and evolve.
At Colossal, we attribute modern conservation efforts to the pioneers — both past and present — who bring it to the forefront.
Modern-DAY
VISiONARIES
Meet the revolutionaries from around the world who continue to advance the practice and understanding of species conservation today. Their collective interests, commitment and determination make a positive impact on biodiversity that will secure the success of our future.
John
Lukas, MZOOL
With over 40 years of experience, John Lukas is an expert in wildlife conservation. After receiving a master’s in Zoology from Northeastern University, he spent 30 of those years at the helm of White Oak Conservation Center. In 1987, founded the Okapi Conservation Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo to protect the elusive and highly threatened okapi from extinction. John is the founding member and president of the International Rhino Foundation, a founding board member of the Wildlife Conservation Network, a director of the Tusk Trust, an advisor for the Conservation Centers for Species Survival, a member on the species specialist boards for giraffe and okapi for the IUCN—and a member on Colossal’s own Conservation Advisory Board.
Linda
Penfold, Ph.D.
Linda is the Executive Director and Founder of the South-East Zoo Alliance for Reproduction & Conservation (SEZARC) based in Florida. Formerly, she was the Research Coordinator for White Oak Conservation Center, FL where she worked for 13 years. She started her career at the Institute of Zoology, London Zoo, where she received her PhD through University College London. Her first post-doctoral position was at the USDA’s Agricultural Research Station in Beltsville, MD. From there, she joined the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Research Institute before moving to White Oak. Linda is a member/advisor of several international conservation groups including the IUCN cattle group, Vikela Earth SA and NatureSafe UK, and in the USA is an advisor on several committees for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Iain Douglas
Hamilton, Ph.D., CBE
Iain Douglas-Hamilton, D.Phil., CBE, is an authority on elephant behaviour and conservation. He attended Gordonstoun School, and later Oxford University where he earned a degree in Zoology and a D.Phil studying the Ecology and Behaviour of the African Elephant. His work in the 1960s paved the way for much of today’s understanding of elephants and current conservation practices. During the 1970s, he investigated the status of elephants throughout Africa and was the first to alert the world to the ivory poaching crisis. He chronicled the diminution of Africa’s elephant population by half between 1979 and 1989 and was instrumental in bringing about the world ivory trade ban. In 1993, Douglas-Hamilton founded Save the Elephants (STE) a charity dedicated specifically to elephants. Since that time Save the Elephants has conducted research on elephants across Africa and has increased public awareness of the many dangers that threaten elephants and the habitats in which they live.
With Effective Conservation, We Save Animals And Their Ecosystems.
For the first time ever, humanity possesses the means to rectify our past missteps and heal nature on a massive scale. By building on the knowledge and successes of the conservationists that came before us, and utilizing breakthroughs in science and technology, we have an opportunity to turn the tide on extinction and secure a vibrant future for life on Earth.
At Colossal, nothing is more important than supporting species, balance and biodiversity in our planet’s ecosystems. That’s why our conservation efforts are ambitious and intentionally engineered to drive the development of technologies for the benefit of the future.
We have developed three core conservation strategies that guide our work to reverse the ecological crisis.
Restoring
extinct
species
This key aspect of our core conservation strategies is the intersection of Colossal’s cutting-edge scientific advancements, profound understanding of ecology and deep reverence for life in all its forms. Biodiversity underpins ecological stability, ergo, its loss disrupts ecosystems and their critical functions. We counteract this deficit through the pioneering strategy of de-extinction. By resurrecting previously extinct species and rewilding habitats, we can enrich biodiversity, replenish vital ecological roles and bolster ecosystem resiliency.
Conserving
endangered
species
Our approach to conservation is indisputably dynamic, unique and multifaceted. It deploys an array of powerful technologies and breakthroughs—all derived from our trailblazing de-extinction initiatives. Equipped with a powerful de-extinction toolkit, Colossal is capable of enhancing breeding programs, combating zoonotic diseases, unlocking profound insights into animal biology and unveiling unprecedented possibilities for species preservation and restoration.
Finding
lost
species
A vital aspect of our conservation work includes discovering species yet unknown and rediscovering “lost species” not seen in decades. Our approach to finding lost species involves several key components—collaboration, partnership and engagement. By protecting these creatures, who are often on the brink of extinction, we can help ensure a more resilient and vibrant future for our planet.
Looking Forward
Ultimately, our goal is to impart the benefits of Colossal’s de-extinction efforts across the scientific community on a global scale. In the process, our team looks forward to ushering in this exciting new era of successful species conservation. We have to stop the immediate eradication of life on Earth before it’s too late. We have to reverse the damage that’s been done.
In the past, Earth lost the woolly mammoth. The thylacine. The dodo. Today, it’s the Florida panther. The Northern white rhinoceros. The Asian elephant. Without intervention, these species may disappear forever. And tomorrow, we might, too.
Find out how Colossal’s innovative de-extinction technologies aid our conservation efforts.
ON THE VERGE OF NONEXISTENCE
The northern white rhino, once roamed the grasslands of Africa as a symbol of strength and resilience. Today, however, the species is on the brink of extinction. The northern white rhino is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species TM, emphasizing the urgent need for a groundbreaking scientific breakthrough—one that can reverse the alarming decline in their population. With only two northern white rhinos remaining—both females—theirs is an alarming predicament which requires immediate attention and relentless support.
But we’re committed to that cause. Despite the obvious pitfalls of managing an all-female breeding program, Colossal remains vigilant in our efforts to bring back the northern white rhino. Our team is fully committed to using innovative science and technology to perform this seemingly impossible task.
+
BioRescue develops advanced reproduction technologies to help save Critically Endangered mammals like the northern white rhino. As the genetic rescue partner, Colossal is sequencing all known viable and preserved museum samples to create a dataset of the historical genetics of the species. With that information, we can create gene-editing tools to confer the identified lost diversity into cell lines that are being used for embryo transfer.
Read the press article on our work with the northern white rhino
Click here to Learn More +
Not unlike the dodo, the northern white rhino's increased vulnerability to external threats is largely responsible for the decline in population. In order to prevent them from meeting the same fate as the dodo, we must remain vigilant in our conservation efforts.
The time to act is now. Rhinos are in peril and their conservation will depend on our collective efforts to ensure their survival for generations to come. Which is precisely why conserving this essential species is among Colossal’s top priorities.
Learn More +“With Colossal’s advanced genetic technology, we will be able to piece together the missing links of the species’ genetic history. Following decades of assisted reproduction and stem cell innovations made by scientists and conservationists, I’m thrilled that the partnership between Colossal and BioRescue will help to establish a sustainable and genetically robust northern white rhino population."
Ceratotherium simum cottoni
[ Status : Critically Endangered ]
Population Threats
Poaching
Habitat Loss
Political Conflict
Civil war & unrest in their native habitat
MEGAFAUNA IN MEGA-DANGER
The elephant. Earth’s largest land animal. These wild and wonderful megafauna are in danger of extinction and they need our help now more than ever. The Red List TM classifies the Asian and African savanna species as Endangered. And unfortunately, the African forest elephant population is in considerably worse shape, currently listed as Critically Endangered. These species are in dire need of habitat reconnection, protection and modern methods that can put a stop to their declining population numbers.
Colossal is committed to doing just that.
Our Partners
Collectively, our elephant conservation partners work in various continents, climates and conditions to help protect and preserve endangered species like the Asian and African elephant.
Save The Elephants studies the elephants of Samburu National Park using Colossal’s Artificial Intelligence and drones. These surveillance technologies allow us to apply AI to video data sets, effectively training the AI to be able to identify elephants, individuals, herds and behaviors. Our toolkit aids in monitoring elephant movements passively, without the use of collars, and to predict elephant behavior, proactively mitigating Human-Elephant Conflict.
Elephant Havens is the only elephant orphanage in Botswana to use the same AI platform used by Save The Elephants. Colossal’s technology aids in the study of how orphaned elephants develop socially and prepares them for reintroduction to the wild. Additionally, it provides information that optimizes strategies for release and ensures the safe return of orphaned elephants into wild herds without strong adult presence.
Read the press article on our work with elephants
Loxodonta africana
[ Status : Endangered ]
Loxodonta cyclotis
[ Status : Critically Endangered ]
Elephas maximus
[ Status : Endangered ]
African Savanna Elephant
Loxodonta africana
African forest Elephant
Loxodonta cyclotis
Asian Elephant
Elephas maximus
EEHVs are a unique set of herpesvirus that infect elephants and can cause a deadly and horrific hemorrhagic disease (EEHV-HD). EEHV-HD kills approximately 50% of all young elephants under managed care in North America. Yet, it’s EEHV1A—the most pathogenic EEHV strain—which specifically claims the lives of most vulnerable Asian elephant calves and juveniles.
[ source ]
A 2019 study found that 32% of Asian elephants in North American zoos are affected by EEHV hemorrhagic disease (EEHV-HD) with a 66% fatality rate among the infected.
A lifeline for earth’s
Endangered avian Species
Colossal’s Avian Genomics Group and our endeavors to de-extinct the dodo are sprouting the development of critical technologies to help conserve the world’s most endangered pigeons—and, eventually, all threatened birds. Currently, our focus is on sequencing the reference genomes of threatened and endangered pigeon species—like those listed below—to create a genomic library and biobanks backups. Additionally, we are advancing assisted reproductive technologies that will help us restore healthy population numbers of these species.
The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation is the largest non-governmental organization in Mauritius exclusively dedicated to the conservation and preservation of the nation's endangered species. Colossal’s partnership with MWF helps protect and preserve critically-endangered avian species on the islands of Mauritius. Our combined efforts in this scenic paradise will help lay the groundwork for the successful de-extinction and rewilding of the dodo.
Read the press article on our work with Mauritian Wild Life Foundation
Click here to Learn More +
Caloenas nicobarica
[ Status : near threatened ]
Population Threats
Invasive Species
Cats and Rats
Overhunting
As a food source
Poaching
For gizzard stones - stones are used to make jewelry
Illegal Pet Trade
Habitat Loss
Didunculus strigirostris
(AKA MANUMEA)
[ Status : CRITICALLY ENDANGERED ]
Population Threats
Habitat Loss
Accidental Hunting
Invasive Species & Depredation
Feral Cats
Black Pacific Rats
Habitat Loss
Food Source Scarcity
Tropical Cyclones
Nesoenas mayeri
[ Status : Vulnerable ]
Population Threats
Habitat Loss
Invasive Species & Depredation
Crab-eating macaque
Small Indian mongoose
Rats
Feral cats
Cyclones
Overhunting
Caused by human food scarcity
Foreign Disease
Trichomonosis
Leucocytozoon marchouxi
Inbreeding & Decreasing Genetic Diversity
The American Red Wolf, the only large carnivore found exclusively in the U.S., once roamed the extensively throughout the Southeast but was nearly exterminated due to habitat loss and predator control programs. In 1980, it was officially declared Extinct in the Wild, spurring the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to launch a desperate captive breeding campaign in hopes of saving the species. Reintroductions of captive individuals began in 1987 in North Carolina, yet fewer than 20 wild individuals survive today. Beset by low genetic diversity and persistent human threats persecution, the Red Wolf now teeters on the brink of extinction.
Incredibly, conservationists recently discovered a population of wild coyote–Red Wolf hybrids along the coasts of Louisiana and Texas. Genetic analyses revealed ancestral Red Wolf DNA—once presumed lost—persists in these unique canids. Nicknamed “Ghost Wolves,” they could provide a much-needed genetic lifeline for the Critically Endangered Red Wolf.
By deploying groundbreaking biotechnology and harnessing these valuable “ghost” genetics, the
Colossal Foundation and its partners have launched a disruptive genetic rescue to restore resilience and
Wolves once occupied nearly 70% of the United States.
[ source ]
Gray wolves travel in packs of
four to seven, led by alphas.
The red wolf is known for the iconic copper fur on its ears, neck and legs. They are the world's most endangered wolf.
>>>>>>
The "ghost" wolves of the Gulf Coast are a unique population of wild canids that inhabit the coastal regions of Louisiana and Texas. While they resemble coyotes (Canis latrans), ghost wolves have physical characteristics atypical of conventional coyotes, such as overly long legs, broader heads, and reddish fur with white coloration on their muzzles. Genetic analyses have revealed that they carry substantial ancestry from the American red wolf (Canis rufus) population under human care in the S.A.F.E. (Saving Animals From Extinction) program.
The term “ghost” wolf came after genetic studies revealed these animals carried genetics which are not present in any of the other North American canids, including the contemporary red wolves under human care or in the wild.
This body of research suggests that ancestral, pre-extinction red wolf “ghost” genes, thought to be extinct in the wild since the 1980s, persisted within these admixed populations.
The American red wolf is the only large carnivore species solely endemic to the United States and historically roamed extensively across the southeastern states. Unfortunately, by the mid-20th century, their numbers had plummeted due to habitat loss, hunting, and predator control programs. They survived only in a small coastal area in southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana. With extinction imminent, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service began trapping wild canids in the area between 1973 and 1980 to establish a captive breeding program with the goal of eventual reintroductions into the wild. The red wolf was officially declared extinct in the wild in 1980. Reintroduction efforts from the captive population began in 1987 at the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge in North Carolina, but the wild population remains precariously low, with fewer than 20 individuals estimated to remain—all descended from 14 founders, of which 12 were reproductively successful. The red wolf is the world’s most threatened wolf species.
red wolf (canis rufus) historic range
USFWS ecological services - atlanta, ga nov. 21, 2019
*Historic Range Source: A review and evaluation of the red wolf (Canis rufus) Historic Range Final Report - 3/11/2016. Wildlife Management Institute, Inc. 2016.
**North Carolina Non-essential experimental population (NEP) established in 1987.
The discovery of ghost wolves also challenges traditional conservation strategies that often overlook admixed populations, and demonstrates that mixed ancestry can serve as a genetic lifeline rather than a threat to species integrity, especially when they carry critical genetic information of endangered species.
Ghost wolves possess genetic diversity that has been lost from the breeding programs, thus offering a potential reservoir to enhance the genetic health of the red wolf population. By integrating genetic material from these Gulf Coast canids, conservationists can restore lost genetic variation, improving the species' adaptability and resilience – a practice known as “genetic rescue.”
golf coast canid
Colossal Biosciences, the Gulf Coast Canine Project, and a coalition of local partners are collaborating to restore the ancestral American Red Wolf to its native range along the American Gulf Coast using the unique DNA of the ghost wolves.
Using cutting-edge genomics and the latest research, this coalition aims to create a resilient insurance population of ghost wolves in order to restore the species' ancestral genetics and continue the persistence of the critically endangered red wolf.
INdex
To fully understand what constituted the historic American red wolf, the coalition is generating the world’s first high-quality reference genome of the red wolf, as well as sequencing historic Gulf Coast red wolf museum specimens such as fur pelts or bone fragments to identify lost genetic diversity. This process will create a genetic blueprint of both the ancestral and the present-day red wolf, and allow our team to compare those genomes with the genomes of ghost wolves today. The coalition will also sequence existing ghost wolves to pinpoint red wolf genetic markers and identify individuals with the highest proportion of ancestral and present-day red wolf ancestry. These ghost wolves will be critical because they possess valuable genetics necessary for the successful restoration of the ancestral Gulf Coast red wolf.
Ghost wolves with the highest percentage of ancestral red wolf genetics will be cloned to establish a genetically diverse insurance population and distinct breeding groups will be established to prevent genetic bottlenecking. This phase will utilize cross-species surrogacy, with domestic dogs serving as surrogate mothers, eliminating the need to remove ghost wolves from the wild, accelerating the cloning process, and improving success rates. Once the cloned pups are born, a co-rearing strategy involving both the surrogate dog mothers and human caretakers will ensure proper care and socialization, fostering important canid behaviors. The insurance population will be housed at a captive management facility located in the ghost wolves’ native range.
Once a genetically robust insurance population has been established, multiplex gene-editing technology can be deployed to incorporate ancestral red wolf traits into future ghost wolf cell lines. Custom gene-editing tools would be designed to modify multiple genetic loci simultaneously, enabling the engineering of both ancestral and contemporary red wolf genes, and the elimination of coyote genetic introgression, in ghost wolf embryos. Viable embryos will then be selected for transfer into surrogates for gestation, producing genetically robust red wolves with ancestral Gulf Coast genetics.
The coalition is establishing an 80-acre captive management facility located at the Moore-Odom FR Ranch Preserve in southwestern Louisiana to provide the insurance population of ghost wolves with a safe environment to live within their native range. This facility will house the cloned ghost wolves and their future descendants as work progresses to restore ancestral red wolf traits, with the eventual goal of rewilding the Gulf Coast red wolf to its native habitat.
The Karankawa have given the world’s first cloned Ghost Wolf a name rooted in their heritage—Neka Kayda, meaning “Ghost Daughter.” This powerful name honors both the ancestral Red Wolf DNA that persists against the odds and the Indigenous people who have long shared the land with these resilient canids.
>>>>>>This pup is the cloned product of a ghost wolf female from Cameron Parish (Louisiana) selected based on her high red wolf and ghost genetic content (70.8% and 610 ghost alleles, the maximum recorded to date). Her cells were collected when she was captured and collared at 2 years old (weighing 17.5kg) and within the Red Wolf morphospace (hind foot length=22cm; see figure below).
[ Source ]
[ GALLERY ]
Known as the Red Grandfather or Gigage-Unidoda to the Cherokee people, the Red Wolf is part of a cultural heritage to our Native Americans. Out of the seven Cherokee clans, the Wolf Clan has historically been the largest clan and wolves are viewed as protectors.
seal of the
cherokee nation
The Red Wolf holds deep spiritual significance for the Cherokee, symbolizing loyalty, strength, and guardianship.
Members of the Wolf Clan were often entrusted with protecting the people and maintaining order, much like the red wolf's role in maintaining balance in nature.
This sacred bond reflects a profound respect for the red wolf as both a spiritual guide and a living relative in the Cherokee worldview.
[ Canis rufus ]
[ cherokee ]
“Tribal cultures have always placed tremendous value on how the past has shaped the present. The natural world, both plants and animals have held cultural significance and heritage to tribes across the globe since the beginning of time... With Colossal, we now have the opportunity to bring conservation to the future by reaching into the past and marrying the worlds of conservation and cultural significance together through the de-extinction of species.”
Wolves Were Feared as Predators When Europeans Settled into the US
The absence of the gray wolf created a unique opportunity for prey animals—specifically Yellowstone National Park’s elk population. Without a predator to maintain balance, their numbers soared in response. And, because they no longer had a wolf to chase them, the elk simply didn’t run. As a result, hoards of hoofed herbivores stood in place, grazing an area until its last blade of vegetation was trampled or eaten. Slowly, the elk picked their environment clean, tipping the scales
of biodiversity with every bite. To park officials and conservationists alike, it seemed as though the disappearance of the wolf would forever scar the face of one of America’s most scenic natural assets. Fortunately, in the latter part of the century, the winds of change blew the gray wolf to the forefront of conservation. Recognizing their crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, efforts to reintroduce them—specifically in Yellowstone—emerged.
Drag the divider on the image above to view an AI simulation of the effects of trophic downgrading on the environment. The ecosystem on the right has its apex predators.
Out of the Woods
Years of conservation successfully helped return these apex predators to their natural habitat. And, as predicted, their presence has not only enriched biodiversity, but also stabilized ecosystems, as well.
According to recent counts, there are approximately 5,500 gray wolves across the contiguous U.S., a testament to conservation efforts. However, challenges still persist. With pressures from land development and human-wolf conflicts, this critical predator remains tethered to the edge of existence.
Fortunately, modern conservationists have no intention of giving up on animals in need. Colossal, in its enduring commitment to de-extinction, conservation and the future, recognizes the urgency of the gray wolf's situation. As with other species, we are dedicated to harnessing advanced scientific methods to ensure species like the gray wolf not only survives, but thrives in the landscapes it once dominated.
“Our efforts highlight the importance of genomes as a reservoir of endangered species ancestry for innovative conservation efforts. This work presents an unprecedented system that conservation can leverage to enrich the recovery program of an endangered species."
Colossal Scientific Advisory Board Member,
Associate Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Princeton University
Our Partners
A DEVIL IN NAME ONLY
With a vision to rewild Australia, conservationists have looked to the Tasmanian devil. This apex predator, while keeping possum and wallaby populations in check, would drive out invasive foxes and cats, enabling native small mammals to recover. In parallel, it would help enrich the soil, spread seeds, bury leaf litter, and minimize the buildup of flammable material – dampening the breadth of forest fires. Twenty-six healthy Tasmanian devils have been reintroduced to mainland Australia to date. Returning the Tasmanian devil to Australia is a quintessential example of the positive feedforward impacts of species reintroductions.
Sarcophilus harrisii
[ Status : Endangered ]
Population Threats
devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD)
Habitat Loss & Deforestation
Invasive Species
“We are excited about the applications of these technologies in being able to conserve marsupial species that are on the brink of extinction before we lose them forever."
Senior Director of Conservation Strategies for Re:wild.
“With many conservation projects across Australia and Tasmania, this particular project is near and dear to my heart. Seeing first-hand the rapid loss of biodiversity that Australia has been facing, it brings me great joy to support a company who is dedicated to not just preventing further extinction but also in some cases, reversing it.”
General Manager of WildArk
"Our family remains dedicated to supporting conservationist efforts around the world and protecting Australia's biodiversity is a high priority. The Tassie Tiger's extinction had a devastating effect on our ecosystem and we are thrilled to support the revolutionary conservation efforts that are being made by Dr Pask and the entire Colossal team."
Actor/Activist & Colossal Investor
Credit WildArk of Chris and Elsa from their work with the Tasmanian devil
Credit: National Geographic for Disney+
NATURAL-BORN LEADERS
To bolster our conservation efforts in Tasmania, Colossal has assembled the Tasmania thylacine Advisory Committee, a board of qualified, indigenous individuals with diverse backgrounds, years of expertise and direct involvement with the community itself. The Committee’s main objective is to provide input on Colossal’s local conservation efforts for species like the Tasmanian devil and aid in the development of a thylacine rewilding program.
The Committee—which consists of cultural, commercial, government and community leaders in Tasmania—meets to discuss the feasibility, concerns and needs of the public in regards to the safe and successful reintroduction of species like the extinct thylacine and extant Tasmanian devil. Conversations center around updates from Colossal related to genomics research, biodiversity, environmental restoration and the sustained wellness of the Tasmanian community. Together, we will work together to reach ethical conservation, de-extinction and rewilding milestones for Tasmania's cornerstone species.
Learn More About“Community is at the heart of everything we do, and it’s essential that we work together to create a vibrant and sustainable future.”
Michelle Dracoulis, Mayor of Kingborough Coucil in Tasmania
Puma concolor coryi
[ Status : Vulnerable ]
Equus ferus przewalskii
[ Status : Endangered ]
Bison bison
[ Status : NEAR THREATENED ]
By working on the de-extinction of the thylacine, Colossal is developing and advancing exciting new technologies that aid in the conservation of animals like the Tasmanian devil. With Colossal-born innovations like the marsupial exo-pouch, assisted reproductive technologies and cryopreservation , there’s a promising future for these endangered marsupials. These innovations will not only benefit the conservation and restoration of Tasmanian devil populations, but many other endangered marsupial predators, as well. Among them are northern and eastern quolls, Kangaroo Island dunnarts, numbats and pygmy mountain possums.
But there’s still hope. Our efforts can assist in building insurance populations for a multitude of endangered species, as well as help guarantee their long-term survival.
By using artificial wombs, it will be possible to breed endangered animals quickly, efficiently and without the limitations associated with traditional breeding programs. Utilizing artificial processes can expedite the revival of endangered populations, inherently preventing their extinction.
Exogenous Development
Also known as in vitro gestation or artificial womb technology, exogenous development involves the transfer of a developing embryo to an artificial environment. Specifically, a cultivated environment that is able to provide the embryo with all conditions necessary to develop and grow outside of its mother's body.
Both surrogacy and artificial wombs are viable solutions for bringing back extinct species. However, they’re equally advantageous in the conservation of those which are currently endangered, as well.
What’s unique about synthetic reproductive hardware is that it’s able to independently support the life of a developing organism in an ex utero atmosphere until it’s ready for birth. Colossal’s gestational technology presents conservationists with a promising opportunity to help endangered species at scale.
At the heart of Colossal’s science and technology innovations are our partnerships, where together, we work with industry leaders to advance conservation and restore biodiversity for the benefit of all life on Earth.
University of 
Harvard 
IPB University 
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University 
The Rockefeller 
Baylor College 
A Colossal Contribution
Colossal’s unique value proposition in conservation is innovation. The journey to de-extinction requires constant discovery and development. Ultimately leading to commercial breakthroughs that can save the planet. Much like NASA’s groundbreaking Apollo Missions led to many technologies you can’t live without today. In fact, without our journey to the moon, you may not be able to read this website right now.
Find out how we’re making a change and inventing new ways for all of us to thrive on Earth.
Visit Our Science
The progress we’ve made is astounding, even to us—and at breakneck speeds, too. But we owe much of our success to curated partnerships with key individuals and organizations. Specifically, ones who are as passionate about saving the planet as we are. Our team is excited not only for what we’ve accomplished together so far, but what we can accomplish together tomorrow.
