CRISPR and Wildlife Conservation: Gene Editing as a Tool for Preserving Biodiversity

Abstract

Genetic diversity is fundamental to the evolutionary potential of species. Due to the accelerating loss of
biodiversity, there is an increased risk of species extinction; moreover, the traditional conservation methods are
inadequate to safeguard vulnerable species. Therefore, conservation biology encourages emerging gene-editing
tools, the CRISPR-Cas systems, which offer both opportunities and challenges.