China has achieved a major milestone in wildlife conservation by cloning two endangered cattle breeds native to the Xizang Autonomous Region. Scientists announced the birth of eight cloned calves—four of each endangered breed—using advanced genetic technology. 🧬
The project, led by researchers at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, utilized somatic cell nuclear transfer to replicate DNA from ear tissues of Zhangmu and Apeijiaza cattle. The cloned embryos were implanted into surrogate cows, resulting in healthy calves after full-term pregnancies. \"This is a game-changer for preserving biodiversity,\" said scientist Yu Dawei.
🌍 Why It Matters: These cattle breeds, adapted to the harsh Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, are crucial to local ecosystems. Their numbers have dwindled due to climate pressures and habitat loss. The 2022 government-led initiative combined genome sequencing and cloning to prevent extinction.
Next steps include expanding cloning efforts in Xizang and integrating these techniques with traditional breeding—a potential blueprint for saving endangered species worldwide. 🌱
