For the first time ever, scientists have successfully
The clone, named Elizabeth Ann, was created from frozen cells of a wild black-footed ferret that died decades ago. Elizabeth Ann is an identical
Black-footed ferrets once lived throughout the American West, but their populations declined in the 20th century. One reason: Farmers and ranchers killed the animals’ main source of food, prairie dogs, to protect their land. The ferrets were thought to be
But those ferrets are all closely related. That means they share many of the same genes. A lack of genetic diversity in populations increases the risk of health issues and diseases. Experts hope Elizabeth Ann’s descendants will help boost the diversity of wild ferret genes. Preserving ferret habitats is also key to the animals’ survival, the USFWS says.
The first time a mammal was cloned was in 1996. Since then, other animals have also been cloned, including dogs and horses.