Extinction: the permanent loss of a species. In Aotearoa, approximately half of the country’s vertebrate fauna and a great deal of invertebrates have gone extinct over the 750 years that humans have lived here [1]. Species such as the Haast’s eagle, huia, and moa are lost indefinitely…or, maybe they aren’t.

As science rapidly evolves, solutions to combating extinction arise, including its potential reversal. De-extinction reimagines evolutionary science in the modern world. Using methods including cloning, back-breeding, and genome editing [2], scientists are capable of developing new versions of species that were previously lost to extinction.

Such revolutionary progress presents immense advancements in genetic technology, prospective revitalisation of ecosystems, and contributions to conservation efforts. However, this development has created ethical controversy. Many argue that resources would be better directed towards critical work with endangered species [3], or that de-extinction could introduce ecological disruptions and animal welfare issues.

Being so contentious, the topic of de-extinction in Aotearoa instigates a great deal of discussion around its necessity and morality. This introduces the crucial consideration of scientific ethics and Mātauranga Māori in decisions surrounding the acceptance and incorporation of de-extinction in New Zealand’s scientific environment. 

How does de-extinction work?

De-extinction is made possible through cloning, back-breeding, and gene-editing [2]. Back-breeding is a more limited approach, selecting desired traits from a closely-related living species to recreate an extinct population. This forms a similar species to the extinct one but is only an altered version of a living species.

Cloning requires the species to still exist, using embryo division to increase the population of a species close to extinction. This is an efficient technique but is unable to bring back an extinct species.

Genome-editing is the most accurate technique for resurrecting an extinct species, creating a hybrid between living and extinct organisms. Recovered DNA from the extinct species is edited and inserted into a similar living species, creating a blend that is most like the extinct species.

Has de-extinction been successful before?

The genome editing technique has been proven successful by Colossal Biosciences with the dire wolf in late 2024 [4]. Using a 13,000 year old tooth and a 72,000 year old skull, DNA was extracted, edited, and then combined with grey wolf DNA, leading to the birth of three dire wolf pups via surrogate domestic dogs. Exhibiting dire wolf traits and instincts, these hybrids are the first of their kind to exist since their extinction at the end of the ice age, approximately 13,000 years ago. 

What are scientific ethics?

Scientific ethics encompass principles, namely honesty and integrity [5], that ensure individuals, communities, and surrounding aspects are protected and respected. They aren’t defined by a single entity, but by a combination of international bodies, professional organisations, and individual researchers. 

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations that promotes international cooperation in science, education, culture, and communication. UNESCO’s core ethics frameworks for science are outlined in their foundational documents [6] that set out international norms defining scientific principles, with which universal ethical evaluations aim to align. These frameworks guide the discussion of how scientific ethics impact resurrection biology in New Zealand. 

What is Mātauranga Māori?

Mātauranga Māori is a cultural system of knowledge and a vital component of science in Aotearoa. Built on te ao Māori, it is a crucial aspect of Māori culture and identity that provides tools for thinking and organising information. A dynamic concept that constantly adapts, it defines what is important and how knowledge should be used. On the topic of science in Aotearoa, Mātauranga is a necessary consideration and should remain a priority as major topics such as de-extinction arise. 

Why is de-extinction relevant in Aotearoa?

De-extinction projects are large-scale, multi-million-dollar efforts that demand years of work. Current projects include only the biggest names in the world of extinct species: woolly mammoths, the dodo, Tasmanian tigers, and—as recently revealed—the moa. Moa were large, flightless, herbivorous birds endemic to Aotearoa. The nine moa species ranged in height and size, with the largest (South Island giant moa) standing up to 3.6 metres tall and weighing as much as 250 kilograms. Moa went extinct approximately 600 years ago primarily due to human hunting.

New Zealand filmmaker Sir Peter Jackson approached Colossal Biosciences, the team behind the dire wolf de-extinction project, and agreed to support their work in exchange for a project aimed at moa de-extinction [7]. This has brought ground-breaking research straight to Aotearoa, making it more relevant than ever [8]. Colossal Biosciences and Jackson are working alongside Te Waipounamu iwi Ngāi Tahu and the Canterbury Museum to bring this initiative to life, prioritising a Māori-led approach. Ngāi Tahu will become the owners of the moa [9] and plan to release them on their own land in a habitat matching their original domain.