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    Brazilian cloning of jaguar, bison and more

    With new science and technology come potential new opportunities to save endangered species. With cloning technologies always advancing, a program is being developed in Brazil to use it in order to save a number of endangered animals. The Brasilia Zoological Garden will partner with Brazil’s agricultural research agency to save the bison, the black lion tamarin, the Brazilian aardvark, the bush dog, the collared anteater, the gray brocket deer, the jaguar, and the maned wolf. The idea isn’t without controversy. Even if successful, cloning is not a true solution for preserving endangered species. Because clones are genetic copies, they’re not suitable for breeding. Genetic diversity is critical for maintaining an animal population over the long term. Cloning is more of a band-aid solution meant to preserve these animals in captivity and keep them from being wiped out.