Colossal Biosciences is adding the extinct moa bird of New Zealand to its de-extinction pipeline, partnering with the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre in a project focused on genetic sequencing and potential species revival. This initiative aims to bring back one of the largest birds known, which went extinct centuries ago, and is notable for its leadership by a major Māori tribe.
The moa was a group of nine species of flightless birds unique to New Zealand (Aotearoa) that varied greatly in size. They ranged from species comparable to a turkey to the massive South Island giant moa (Dinornis robustus), which could stand up to 3.6 meters (11.8 feet) tall and weigh around 230 kilograms (507 pounds). For millions of years, these birds played a crucial role as “ecosystem engineers,” shaping the landscapes of New Zealand.
However, within approximately 150 years of human arrival in New Zealand 800 to 900 years ago, all nine moa species became extinct. Hunting and habitat destruction were the primary causes of their disappearance. While long gone, their legacy remains in the landscape and in preserved remains, such as a remarkably intact foot with soft tissues that highlights their unique anatomy, notably lacking any wings.
Sequencing the Moa Genome
The de-extinction effort relies heavily on piecing together the moa’s genetic blueprint. Scientists are working with ancient DNA extracted from preserved moa bones and other remains.
According to Ben Lamm, CEO and co-founder of Colossal, they have sampled over 60 moa bones and are actively working on sequencing the genomes of multiple moa species. The ultimate goal is to reconstruct genomes for all nine known species, not just the largest ones like the South Island giant moa. A near-complete genome for the little bush moa (Anomalopteryx didiformis) has already been assembled as part of broader research efforts.
A Partnership Led by Ngāi Tahu
A key aspect of the moa project is its leadership structure. The initiative is a historic collaboration coordinated by the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre, based at the University of Canterbury, in partnership with Colossal Biosciences and filmmaker Peter Jackson.
The Ngāi Tahu Research Centre was established to support the intellectual and cultural development of Ngāi Tahu, the principal Māori iwi (tribe) of New Zealand’s southern region. The Centre will lead the project, building upon Ngāi Tahu’s long-standing commitment to species protection and ecological restoration in their traditional lands.
Ben Lamm emphasized the significance of this indigenous-led approach, stating that Ngāi Tahu acts almost like a “board of directors” for the project, setting its pace and direction. This collaboration allows the project to delve deeply into the cultural and spiritual connection that the Māori people have with the moa and the land it inhabited, enriching the scientific work with traditional knowledge and values.
Comparison showing the immense size of the extinct South Island giant moa next to a human figure.
Leveraging De-Extinction Technology
The moa is the fifth extinct species to join Colossal Biosciences’ ambitious de-extinction roster. Previous target species, all driven to extinction by human activity, include the woolly mammoth, dodo, thylacine, and dire wolf.
Colossal is developing a “functional de-extinction toolkit” that identifies key genetic traits of extinct animals to replicate them in closely related living species. This technology has seen progress with the creation of dire wolf pups (Romulus, Rhemus, and Khaleesi) using genetic techniques applied to gray wolves, demonstrating the potential to bring back characteristics of extinct relatives.
The work done on previous avian and mammalian projects provides a foundation for the moa effort, particularly in ancient DNA extraction, genome assembly, and computational analysis. Researchers are also exploring innovative methods like developing an artificial egg structure, which could offer alternatives to traditional surrogacy for scaling up potential bird de-extinction efforts.
The hope is that advancements made through these de-extinction projects will not only explore bringing back iconic extinct species but also drive technological innovation that can be applied to the conservation of critically endangered species facing extinction today.
Explore more about de-extinction science and other efforts to bring back extinct animals.
