CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Two more black-footed ferrets have been cloned from the genes used for the first clone of an endangered species in the U.S., bringing to three the number of slinky predators genetically identical to one of the last such animals found in the wild, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Wednesday.
Efforts to breed the first clone, a female named Elizabeth Ann born in 2021, have failed, but the recent births of two more cloned females, named Noreen and Antonia, in combination with a captive breeding program launched in the 1980s, is boosting hopes of diversifying the endangered species. Genetic diversity can improve a species’ ability to adapt and survive despite disease outbreaks and changing environmental conditions.
Energetic and curious, black-footed ferrets are a nocturnal type of weasel with dark eye markings resembling a robber’s mask. Their prey is prairie dogs, and the ferrets hunt the rodents in often vast burrow colonies on the plains.
Company wins court ruling to continue development of Michigan factory serving EV industry
Shanghai Shenhua soars as Changchun Yatai struggles in Chinese Super League
Nadal says he is not 100% fit ahead of Madrid debut
Shooting injures 2 at Missouri high school graduation ceremony
Tourism festival spurs consumption in Shanghai
Speed and pitching lift the Nationals to a 3
Voters demand crackdown on pro
Hall of Fame outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. to lead Indianapolis 500 field in Corvette pace car
'Animal hoarders' are caught with dozens of live and dead pets inside hotel room
The fightback begins: Boss of London's Queen Mary University tells pro
F1: Chinese GP practice halted by trackside fire