Biodiversity, Environment, Conservation, BRAZIL:
Brazil embarks on cloning of wild animals

11/12/2012 3:15:29 AM Reprint | | Print |

RIO DE JANEIRO - Brazilian scientists are attempting to clone animals in danger of extinction. - The initiative by the Brasilia Zoological Garden in partnership with the Brazilian government’s agricultural research agency is now in its second phase.

Eight animals have been chosen for the initiative, including the maned wolf, the jaguar and the black lion tamarin.

Most are on the Red List of Threatened Species compiled by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation and the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

The agricultural research agency was responsible for the birth of Brazil's first cloned animal, a calf named Vitória that was born in 2001 and lived until 2011. Over 100 animals, mainly cows and horses have since been cloned. /IPS (END//2012)

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