GUEST: Dr. Sandra Lai, a senior scientist at Oxford University’s WildCRU research unit -

Their research on carnivore ecology in extreme environments provides valuable insights into the behaviour, movement, and ecological roles of species like the dire wolf. By examining trophic interactions and social dynamics in living carnivores, their work helps reconstruct the life-history traits and ecosystem functions of extinct species such as Canis dirus.

ANGLE:

• Why are these news a big deal
• Has the dire wolf been resurrected?

 

1. Prof Nic Rawlence - Director: Otago Palaeogenetics Laboratory at the Department of Zoology, University of Otago (New Zealand). Associate Professor Nic Rawlence is the Director of the Otago Palaeogenetics Laboratory at the University of Otago in New Zealand. He uses ancient DNA and palaeontology to reconstruct prehistoric ecosystems; how these ecosystems adapted to Earths dynamic geological, climatic and human history; and how this information can be used to inform evidence-based conservation management of endangered species and ecosystem restoration.

ANGLE:

• The history of dire wolves - what was their purpose in the ecosystem
• Will dire wolves and mammoths roam again?
• What was the dire wolf?

 

1.  Prof. Yolandi Coetzer - Associate Professor of Philosophy at the North West University.Prof. Yolandi M. Coetser is an Associate Professor at NWU and founding chair of the Southern African Society for Environmental Philosophy. Her research focuses on animal and environmental ethics, biodiversity conservation, and interdisciplinary approaches that align with the UN’s sustainability goals, blending philosophy with ecological and social justice.

Colossal Biosciences' project to revive the once-extinct dire wolf could also prevent existing but endangered animals from slipping into extinction themselves. The direwolves will live on protected land while they grow to their adult size. Let us listen back to an interview on how this project came together. Audio courtesy of Time Magazine.