The Controversial Plan to Clone a Woolly Mammoth: Can Hybrid Mammophants Restore Grasslands?
Woolly mammoth cloned for Siberia ๐

Cloning a woolly mammoth, or rather a hybrid referred to as a "mammophant," is being considered for introduction into Pleistocene Park in Siberia. This initiative aims to restore grasslands by reintroducing large mammals, as past extinctions have led to the current wetland environment. Scientists believe that the mammophant could help manage vegetation, similar to how elephants do in grasslands. However, there are doubts about the effectiveness of this plan, as historical evidence suggests that human activity may not have caused the extinctions. Additionally, studies indicate that wetlands were detrimental to woolly mammoths, causing health issues due to environmental acidification. Overall, the idea that large animals can revert wetlands to grasslands is viewed as overly optimistic.
What is the purpose of cloning a woolly mammoth?
The goal is to introduce a hybrid called a "mammophant" into Pleistocene Park to help restore grasslands by managing vegetation and preventing the overgrowth of trees and bushes.
Why do some scientists doubt the success of rewilding efforts?
Doubts stem from historical evidence suggesting that human activity did not solely cause the extinction of large mammals and that wetlands may have contributed to the decline of species, rather than being transformed back into grasslands by the introduction of large animals.
What health issues did woolly mammoths face according to recent studies?
Research has found that many woolly mammoths suffered from bone diseases due to mineral deficiencies caused by the acidification of their wetland environment, indicating that the environmental changes led to their decline rather than the other way around.