UK: Turning animal waste into future offspring might sound bizarre, but scientists are exploring whether genetic material in animal dung could help save endangered species.
Wildlife populations are declining at alarming rates. Now, a novel conservation project, dubbed the “poo zoo,” aims to harness genetic material in feces to aid species survival.
Unlocking the Genetic Potential in Dung
Animal droppings contain undigested food, bacteria, and crucially, cells shed from the intestines. Recent research suggests some of these cells remain alive, at least in fresh samples.
Professor Suzannah Williams of Oxford University, leading the project, says early results are promising. Her team has successfully extracted living cells from mouse and elephant feces, offering hope for boosting genetic diversity.
The approach, known as ‘genetic rescue,’ could allow DNA analysis to inform conservation efforts. If scientists can culture these cells, they may even create new animals using advanced reproductive technologies.
From Waste to Wildlife
If researchers can grow cells from dung, it could lead to cloning, where a nucleus from a preserved cell is implanted into a donor egg. More promising is the possibility of reprogramming cells into sperm and eggs, enabling fertilization through IVF.
Additionally, gene-editing technologies could be used to enhance species’ resilience. Similar efforts are already underway, including attempts to bring back the passenger pigeon and woolly mammoth.
Future Prospects
The approach has hurdles, including processing large amounts of dung and filtering out bacteria. Dr. Rhiannon Bolton of Chester Zoo, a collaborator, acknowledges the complexity but remains optimistic.
Some conservationists argue genetic rescue alone isn’t enough. Paul De Ornellas of WWF UK stresses habitat protection as the primary strategy. However, the poo zoo team believes their work complements traditional conservation methods.
