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Rare Cattle Breed Saved From Extinction
23 Oct
Summary
- Nine cattle were left on Enderby Island in 1896.
- A cow and calf were the last survivors rescued in 1993.
- Cloning helped save the critically endangered cattle breed.
A rare breed of cattle, originating from a small herd left on Enderby Island in 1896, faced extinction. These animals, introduced for a failed agricultural venture, survived in the subantarctic waters south of New Zealand for decades.
By the late 20th century, New Zealand aimed to remove introduced species to restore native environments. In early 1991, nearly 50 animals were culled, with semen from 16 bulls frozen, though egg cell collection failed.
A cow and her calf were discovered in September 1992 and successfully rescued by helicopter in February 1993. The calf later died, and the cow, Lady, was transported to the mainland.
Scientists successfully cloned Lady from granulosa cells in Hamilton, with one cloned calf, Elsie, surviving and proving genetically identical. This breakthrough offered a vital second chance for the breed.
Lady's lineage continues through cloning, embryo transfer, and natural mating. Approximately 30 animals now exist in three small herds on New Zealand's North and South Islands. The breed remains critically endangered and wild, highlighting the need for careful consideration of alternatives to culling.
