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Saturday, July 19, 2025

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https://nordictimes.com/science/game-of-thrones-wolf-recreated/

Science

Game of Thrones wolf recreated

Biodiversity

Published 9 April 2025
– By Editorial Staff
Today, the three puppies live in a secret location, surrounded by fences and monitored by security staff, drones and cameras.
3 minute read
Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

Three pups of the giant wolf, also known as the dire wolf, have now been re-created by scientists in Texas. It is the first successful case in the world of so-called “de-extinction” – the revival of a previously extinct animal.

The Aenocyon species went extinct about 12 500 years ago and lived in North America. It was larger than its living relative the wolf, growing to around 1.5 meters in height and weighing between 50 and 80 kilograms. It also had thicker fur and a wider jaw than our modern-day wolf.

Researchers at the biotech company Colossal Bioscience have extracted DNA from fossils of the extinct giant wolf and examined them to determine genetic characteristics such as color, fur and size. The information was then used to modify cells of the modern-day relative, the gray wolf. In total, genetic modifications have been made in 14 different genes. Healthy developed embryos were then transferred to domestic dogs, which were large mixed-breed dogs, which then served as surrogate mothers.

– Our team took DNA from a 13,000 year old tooth and a 72,000 year old skull and made healthy dire wolf puppies, said Ben Lamm, Colossal’s co-founder and CEO, according to CNN.

On October 1, 2024, two male pups were born, and in January of this year, a female was also born.

Game of Thrones author invests

The giant wolf, known as the dire wolf, has made a strong mark on popular culture – not least in books, movies and TV shows. It is best known from the fantasy series Game of Thrones, where the Stark family has a dire wolf as their pet and weapon symbol.

In fact, the author of the book series, George R R Martin, is an investor in the company and the genetically modified wolves. He is also a “cultural advisor” to the company, which has also issued a press release on the cultural influence of the species. The books were also made into a popular TV series by HBO.

The males are named Romulus and Remus, while the female pup is named Khaleesi, which is a title given to the character Daenerys in the book series – who is not a member of the Stark family, but of the Targaryens, who have a dragon on their sigil.

Not a “dire wolf”

Although the scientists behind the genetically modified puppies claim that they are “de-extinction”, other researchers point out that this is not quite the case. The similarities are mainly in appearance, not in the DNA itself.

– This is a grey wolf with an edited genome, not a dire wolf, genome scientist Emily Roycroft told ABC. The genetic edits may have given these wolves a lighter coat to look reminiscent of a dire wolf – but what makes a species is more than just skin deep.

The biotech company emphasizes that the goal is not to recreate species with exact genetic identity, but to create so-called “functional copies”. The technology behind the giant wolf is also hoped to be used to help endangered animals.

– Our goal with de-extinction is always create functional copies of these extinct species. We were focusing on identifying variants that we knew would lead to one of these key traits, says Beth Shapiro, Colossal’s chief scientific officer.

Secret location

Today, the three pups live in a secret location with a 2,000-hectare area with a three-meter-high fence that is constantly monitored by security personnel, drones and even cameras. The pups are used to humans, but not tame, and are still in a juvenile phase.

– We’re still seeing a lot of juvenile behaviors.  We haven’t seen them really fully express all of their behavior, said Matt James, Colossal’s animal manager. They’re an amazing opportunity for us to learn tons and tons about de-extinction, about cloning, about genetic editing and all the effects after that.

Colossol is also working towards reviving the mammoth, dodo and Tasmanian tiger.

Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

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https://nordictimes.com/environment/the-forest-lives-when-trees-die/

Environment

The forest lives when trees die

Biodiversity

Published 4 July 2025
– By Editorial Staff
Leaving a variety of dead trees in forests is vital for many species' survival.
2 minute read
Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

When old trees die, life begins for many other species, according to a new dissertation. Numerous threatened species need dead wood to survive, along with a varied landscape.

Dead wood, meaning dead trees and branches in nature, is vital for about a quarter of Sweden’s beetle species. Many fungal species also depend on dead wood for survival.

Together with microorganisms and fungi, beetles contribute to the decomposition of tree remains, which provides nutrients to the soil and creates habitats for other insects that, in turn, become food for birds and other animals.

However, many of these fungal and beetle species are threatened today, partly because dead wood has become scarce – especially in managed forests. Paulina Bergmark from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has examined in her dissertation whether these species are better preserved in landscapes where nature conservation is combined with forestry, often called eco-parks. The state-owned Swedish forestry company Sveaskog established the first eco-parks about 20 years ago, with the aim of supporting species negatively affected by traditional forestry. Today, there are 37 such forests in total.

In five of these eco-parks, Bergmark studied beetle and fungal species living in high-cut stumps. She then compared the results with four areas in regular production forests.

More red-listed species

The eco-parks contained more diverse tree species and good access to dead wood. The production forests had many beetles, but not to the same extent as the eco-parks.

– Generally, we found both more species and a larger number of red-listed species in the eco-parks compared to the production forests, she says in a press release.

The dissertation also highlighted the importance of tree diversity in forests. Different types of dead trees benefit different species, according to Bergmark.

– In the eco-parks’ varied landscapes, there is a larger proportion of forest where both old and young trees contribute to the creation of new dead wood over time. Increasing variation with both deciduous and coniferous trees in different stages of decomposition can be an effective way to strengthen biodiversity in managed forests, she says.

Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

https://nordictimes.com/environment/moose-and-polecat-added-as-threatened-species-on-swedens-red-list/

Environment

Moose and polecat added as threatened species on Sweden’s red list

Biodiversity

Published 4 July 2025
– By Editorial Staff
The moose population has increased significantly in northern Sweden - but across the country as a whole, there is a clear decline.
2 minute read
Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has published a new preliminary version of the red list, where the moose and European polecat are now proposed to be classified as threatened species. Meanwhile, the Eurasian otter is considered to have recovered sufficiently to be removed – after a long period of growth.

The red list is a compilation of species deemed to have such small or declining populations that they risk disappearing from the country in the long term. It is updated every five years, and this year’s preliminary version is open for review and reporting until September 15.

The red-listing of the moose may come as a surprise – especially in northern Sweden, where the population has increased in several areas. In several counties, hunting pressure has therefore been increased to reduce browsing damage. However, looking at the country as a whole, the moose population has decreased by almost a quarter over ten years.

– We are not influenced by any societal goals or the forestry industry’s desire to reduce the population, says Henrik Thurfjell, species group manager at SLU’s Species Information Centre, to Swedish news agency TT.

According to Thurfjell, hunting is the main cause of the decline – despite many hunting teams deliberately shooting fewer moose than their allocated quotas.

– While there are concerns about warmer climate and diseases, the main reason is hunting, he says.

Porpoise in danger, otter recovering

Another species causing concern is the Belt Sea harbor porpoise, which often gets caught in fishing nets as bycatch. Meanwhile, some species show clear recovery. The Eurasian otter has steadily increased for several years and is now being removed from the list, thanks in part to efforts to reduce environmental toxins and chemicals in Swedish water environments.

For a species to be reclassified as viable, the rate of decline must have been below 15 percent over three generations. However, even if this requirement is met, the species is kept on the list for an additional five years as a precautionary measure before potentially being completely removed.

The European polecat, now proposed for red-listing, is believed to be declining in numbers – partly due to competition from otters, which inhabit the same environments.

This year’s preliminary list includes more new additions than removals. In total, 210 species have been added, and 228 have received changed classifications compared to the previous list. Among the newly red-listed species are the elder-flowered orchid, sea trout, herring, and the ringed seal – a seal species native to the Baltic Sea.

Being red-listed doesn’t mean a species is immediately facing extinction. The criteria vary depending on the species. A population of under 20,000 individuals may be sufficient for red-listing – but in other cases, such as for the golden eagle, the number must fall below 2,000.

Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

https://nordictimes.com/the-nordics/sweden/government-aims-to-halve-swedens-wolf-population/

Sweden

Government aims to halve Sweden’s wolf population

Biodiversity

Published 27 June 2025
– By Editorial Staff
Environmental protection organizations warn that the decision could eventually lead to the complete disappearance of wolves from Sweden.
2 minute read
Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

The Swedish government has decided to lower the minimum number of wolves required to ensure the species’ survival in Sweden. The new reference value has been adjusted down from 300 to 170 individuals.

The decision has received sharp criticism from the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation (Naturskyddsföreningen), which warns that wolves risk disappearing entirely from Sweden in the long term.

Sweden reports to the EU every six years on the status of endangered species under the Species and Habitats Directive. For this year’s report, the government has instructed the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (Naturvårdsverket) to lower the reference value for wolves – that is, the minimum number of individuals required for the species to survive and persist long-term – from 300 to 170.

According to the Ministry of Rural Affairs and Infrastructure, there are currently 355 wolves in Sweden.

The reference value indicates how many individuals of a species are minimally needed in a country for the species to be preserved long-term in its natural range. It is used as one of several indicators to assess the species’ conservation status and is reported to the EU under the Species and Habitats Directive. In Sweden’s latest report in 2019, the reference value for wolves was set at 300.

“Needs protection”

The government’s decision to lower the reference value faces strong opposition from environmental and animal protection organizations, which point out that the wolf population in Sweden is already under severe pressure from inbreeding and illegal hunting. The Swedish Society for Nature Conservation argues that the lowered threshold violates both scientific recommendations and EU law.

– The government is making decisions that could lead to wolves disappearing from Sweden in the long term. Lowering the reference value to just 170 individuals from today’s 300 weakens an already critically endangered species, says Beatrice Rindevall, chairperson of the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, in a press release.

– The wolf is critically endangered on the red list and needs protection. It is an explicit requirement that the reference value should be based on scientific grounds, but the government is driven by polarizing threat scenarios instead of facts, she further argues.

“A level that works”

Swedish Minister for Rural Affairs Peter Kullgren (Christian Democrats) argues that an excessive wolf population causes significant damage to society – and that wolves today have a negative impact on Swedish food production.

– We can conclude that if we have 170 wolves in Sweden, we’re at a level that simply works.

As a first step, the wolf population will be reduced from the current 355 to 270 individuals – and according to Kullgren, this means that the next wolf hunt will be significantly more extensive than usual.

Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

https://nordictimes.com/environment/eu-classifies-mink-as-invasive/

Environment

EU classifies mink as invasive

Biodiversity

Published 25 June 2025
– By Editorial Staff
Minks threaten biodiversity by preying on birds, amphibians and small mammals, causing great damage to sensitive ecosystems.
2 minute read
Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

The EU’s list of invasive alien species has been updated – mink is now included. However, Finland plans to apply for an exemption to continue fur farming.

The European Union has updated its list of alien species that threaten biodiversity. The species on the list are banned from being imported, sold, bred, cultivated or used within the EU. One of the most notable new additions is the mink – a decision that is causing concern in the Finnish fur industry, which has been heavily criticised in many quarters.

Invasive species are animals and plants that spread to new areas and cause ecological imbalance. They can outcompete native species and cause significant damage to ecosystems. The EU list is intended as a tool to limit their spread and protect biodiversity.

The inclusion of mink in the ban could deal a severe blow to Finland’s controversial fur farms, but Finland hopes to obtain an exemption, as it did in 2017 when the raccoon dog was added to the list.

– The assessment is that Finland is likely to be granted an exemption, says Karin Cederlöf, government secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

North American beaver displacing European variety

If the exemption is approved, mink farming could continue in the country, but under stricter safety requirements. However, no new farms would be allowed to be established.

Finland is now preparing an official request to the EU for an exemption for mink. The government and parliament have given the go-ahead, and work will start immediately after the summer break.

In addition to mink, the North American beaver has also been added to the list. Finland has already taken measures to reduce the spread of the disease in order to protect the endangered European beaver. These efforts will now be further intensified, according to Cederlöf.

Several new bird and fish species as well as plants are also covered by the rules. Among mammals, in addition to mink, sika deer is also among the newly added species.

The EU’s work against invasive species is usually described as a central part of the Union’s environmental strategy, and the list is updated regularly as new threats are identified. For Finland, the decisions represent a delicate balance between nature conservation and economic interests – and the exemption for mink could be decisive for the future of the fur industry.

Editorial Staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

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