Australian frogs, threatened by the deadly chytrid fungus, could potentially be protected through genetic engineering that introduces disease-resistant genes derived from alpacas.

Initial research involves infecting alpacas to identify nanobodies—small immune particles—that can be genetically transferred into frogs, offering a promising approach to combat chytrid fungus.

Advances in gene editing technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 are enabling scientists to modify the DNA of wild animals, making them resistant to diseases and environmental threats.

Gene editing has also been used to make invasive species such as cane toads and their predators like northern quolls resistant to toxins, which could help protect native ecosystems.

A biobank initiative in Australia stores genetic samples from native species, supporting conservation efforts through genetic preservation and potential future reintroduction or genetic modification.

Experts warn that genetic interventions might have unintended ecological consequences, such as disrupting ecosystems or causing overpopulation, highlighting the need for careful testing.

De-extinction projects, like efforts to bring back the extinct thylacine, aim to restore ecological balance but also raise ethical and ecological questions.

Colossal, a biotech company, has developed an artificial womb prototype to breed genetically engineered animals like the thylacine without surrogates, facilitating mass rewilding of Australian marsupials.

Funded by Colossal, these efforts include attempting to recreate the Tasmanian tiger by editing genomes of related species such as the dunnart.