Passenger pigeons have been extinct for over a century, now scientists are discussing bringing the bird back through genetic engineering, according to The Reporter.
There were once billions of the now-extinct pigeon, but hunting and habitat destruction caused their disappear around the time of WWI.
"Resurrection biology" could bring back species that have been extinct for even longer, such as the Tasmanian tiger or even the woolly mammoth.
"The grand goal is to bring the passenger pigeon back to life," said researcher Ben Novak of Revive and Restore. "We're at the baby step of stage one."
Scientists at the University of California, Santa Cruz are looking at old fragments of 70 passenger pigeon's genes. Researchers then plan to assemble the bird's DNA using computer technology.
The scientists project that in about two years they will be able to synthesize the DNA and insert it into the band-tail pigeon, a close relative.
"We need to turn it into a creature. We have to raise a captive breeding herd," said UCSC professor and project leader Beth Shapiro. "Then there is the tricky part of going from a captive breeding bird to a live, thriving population in the wild."
The concern is that the pigeon's could become an invasive species. The resurrected birds would also be considered a genetically modified organisms, which could be regulated by the government.
"This could make reintroduction a challenge, under current law," said Alex Camacho, director of UC Irvine's Center for Land, Environment and Natural Resources. "The Endangered Species Act did not contemplate revival of extinct species."
Another concern is that bringing extinct species back to life could distract scientists from living species that are currently endangered.
Regardless of the possible complications, scientists are planning to go ahead with the project.
"At some point we will be doing this. ... We've rounded a corner. ... We need to stop worrying about theoreticals and start discussing how it will happen," said Chuck Bonham, director of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
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