Resuscitation and resurrection: The ethics of cloning cheetahs, mammoths, and Neanderthals

Abstract

Recent events and advances address the possibility of cloning endangered and extinct species. The ethics of these types of cloning have special considerations, uniquely different from the types of cloning commonly practiced. Cloning of cheetahs (and other endangered or vulnerable species) may be ethically appropriate, given certain constraints. However, the ethics of cloning extinct species varies; for example, cloning mammoths and Neanderthals is more ethically problematic than conservation cloning, and requires more attention. Cloning Neanderthals in particular is likely unethical and such a project should not be undertaken. It is important to discuss and plan for the constraints necessary to mitigate the harms of conservation and extinct cloning, and it is imperative that scientific and public discourse enlighten and guide actions in the sphere of cloning.

The potential and pitfalls of de‐extinction

“…This includes providing a suitable habitat for a de‐extinct individual (Cottrell et al . ; Seddon et al . ), whose original niche might no longer be available in the form or extent required, thus necessitating land management action.…”

“…A fourth group of challenges relate to the wider environment. This includes providing a suitable habitat for a deextinct individual (Cottrell et al 2014;Seddon et al 2014), whose original niche might no longer be available in the form or extent required, thus necessitating land management action. Altering whole ecosystems to accommodate the de-extinct form might well defy one of the most attractive and logical arguments for de-extinction: ecosystem restoration via introduction of extinct keystone species.…”

“…But opposing this view is the prospect that de‐extinction may be a lucrative business (Cottrell et al . ; Whittle et al . ), perhaps only needing an initial subsidy.…”

“…One of the most highly resonating criticisms of de-extinction is the perspective that, at such a price, the goals do not justify the means, and urgent initiatives to save extant species or maintain ecosystems should be prioritised before the resurrection of the extinct (Yule 2002;Fletcher 2008;Sandler 2014). But opposing this view is the prospect that de-extinction may be a lucrative business (Cottrell et al 2014;Whittle et al 2015), perhaps only needing an initial subsidy. Charismatic animals are often the main attractions in wildlife tourism and zoos, and can evoke sustainability awareness in the public and promote nature conservation (Simberloff 1998;Williams et al 2000).…”

The Arguments against Cloning the Pyrenean Wild Goat

“…First, cloning is very expensive (Cottrell et al 2014). Substantial amounts of public money have been invested in this project, which leaves less funding for other conservation efforts.…”