What is it about?
Only two northern white rhinos are left alive, and both are female. To help save this species from extinction, scientists are exploring ways to create eggs and sperm from stem cells. This study presents a detailed genetic map of the species’ DNA, which acts like a manual to check the health of these lab-grown cells. With this reference genome, we can now detect harmful mutations that might occur during cell culture. This breakthrough supports the efforts to one day create embryos and restore a self-sustaining population of northern white rhinos.
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Why is it important?
This is the first near-complete genome of the northern white rhinoceros—a species that is functionally extinct. It sets a new standard for conservation genomics by enabling scientists to check the genetic health of lab-grown stem cells. These cells may one day become eggs or sperm for breeding. Without such a high-quality genome, it would be nearly impossible to safely and reliably use modern techniques like cloning or artificial reproduction to bring the species back. This work offers hope—not just for rhinos, but as a model for saving other endangered animals too.
Perspectives
This project brought together a uniquely diverse team—conservation biologists, stem cell scientists, molecular technology experts, and computational researchers—who collaborated across disciplines to address an urgent conservation challenge. Over the course of more than seven years, much of the work was done outside of regular working hours, often during the constraints of the COVID pandemic. Despite differences in background and expertise, the team remained focused on a shared goal: to contribute meaningfully to the possibility of restoring a functionally extinct species. This work illustrates how collaborative science, even under difficult circumstances, can bring together people from different fields to pursue solutions with global relevance.
Franz-Josef Müller
Christian-Albrechts-Universitat zu Kiel
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Genomic map of the functionally extinct northern white rhinoceros (
Ceratotherium simum cottoni
), Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, May 2025, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2401207122.
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