SCI/TECH: 'Frozen Ark' to save animal DNA, page 1

A UK based project called 'The 'Frozen Ark' has been set up to collect DNA from animals close to extinction. Currently, there are no plans to clone the animals, but it is hoped that the DNA culd help with conservation and genetic research.

news.bbc.co.uk
The genetic make-up of endangered species is to be preserved for the future in a major new UK-based project.

The 'Frozen Ark', launched on Tuesday, will collect DNA from mammals, birds, insects and reptiles near extinction.

The first samples, from endangered species such as the Socorro dove, Arabian Oryx and yellow sea-horse, were placed in deep freeze on Monday.

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I understand that sometimes animals may go extinct 'naturally' because they are not the fittest but humans are to blame for a lot of the endangered species.

Just because we see ourselves as the dominant and most powerful creatures of the planet, doesn't mean we should cause species to become extinct because we can . Humans should be smart enough to not kill animals.

We are destroying habitats or shooting them because they come too close to our houses (What do you expect when you build houses on a swamp). OK it is only natural to use them for food, although humans have the technology to have a healthy diet without meat, but leather sofas, alligator skin handbags?

[edit on 27-7-2004 by John bull 1]