To be or not to be? Scientist Tim Birkhead's new book sounds cautionary note on "de-extincting" Great Auk

Sheffield University academic Tim Birkhead poses many important questions in his intriguing new book

                                           

IF scientific advances allow it, should we encourage "de-extinction" projects for long-gone creature such as the Dodo and the Mammoth?

The question is explored by scientist Tim Birkhead in a new book about a species close to his heart - the Great Auk.

It is an alluring prospect," he writes. "Initially, I was enthusiastic about the possibility.

"The possibility that, through molecular wizardry, we could recreate the Great Auk and once again enjoy the sight, sound and smell of it I find almost irresistible.

"But then, as I thought about it, my enthusiasm was supplanted by some, cold hard facts."

After enumerating the myriad threats to today's seabird species - for instance, pollution, over-fishing, hunting and climate change - Prof Birkhead reaches a sad conclusion.

"Even if we could create the Great Auk, would it be fair to spend all that time and effort doing so for a bird for which there is probably no safe home?" he asks.

"Would it not be wiser to spend those funds saving one or more endangered species not yet extinct and whose habitat could be made safe?"

The Great Auk - Its Extraordinary Life , Hideous Death and Mysterious Afterlife is published by Bloomsbury at £20 in hardback.

 * A review of the book will appear in a later edition of this blog.