2,300 endangered species: Controversial de-extinction company Colossal Biosciences joins U.S. effort to preserve their DNA

The Trump administration and a company that is promising to bring long-gone animals back from extinction announced a partnership on [June 25, 2026] to preserve cells, tissue and DNA from threatened and endangered species.

The company, Colossal Biosciences, said its goal was to store samples from every animal and plant protected under the Endangered Species Act, which includes more than 2,300 listings worldwide.

As more species face the risk of extinction, scientists see such biobanks as a critical backup. But concerns are also growing that the rise of genetic engineering and efforts to revive extinct species will erode support for on-the-ground conservation, which often requires protecting habitat from drilling, mining and other development.

The announcement comes as the Trump administration has been rolling back protections on land and water, including through actions to weaken the Endangered Species Act, in favor of expanded oil and gas exploration, commercial fishing and other economic activities.

Related on the SLP

Science explainer: We may not resurrect dinosaurs but other extinct animals likely to be revived The resurrection of the dire wolf is phony, but Colossal Biosciences’ de-extinction research could revolutionize drug development and healthcare

A meaty problem: How to make cell-grown protein taste like steak, chicken, and seafood

RFK Jr. spent two years distancing himself from Children’s Health Defense. Now he’s keynoting its anti-vaccine DC conference.

Newly approved GMO chestnut trees planted across from the White House are stirring debate

Showing Slide 1 of 4

…

Under a memorandum of understanding, Colossal and the Fish and Wildlife Service will collaborate to identify high-priority actions, and the government will provide a list of which species it wants to prioritize.

This is an excerpt. Read the original post here