With the new technology of the CRISPR/Cas9 system, we are able to isolate certain DNA sequences and insert them into another DNA sequence. The hope to resurrect a wooly mammoth would be done by splicing and inserting DNA into an elephant embryo and have an elephant carry the pregnancy. CRISPR allows this specific insertion and deletion by utilizing the caspases in DNA expression to modify DNA very specifically.
Bringing back the wooly mammoth has the greatest implication on bringing back other extinct species. We could preserve and protect our endangered species and repopulate them before they go extinct, for example Manatees in the gulf of Mexico. The advantages would allow us to examine the species and learn more about the past. One major consequence is that we have no idea how evolution will impact the hybrid and we have no way of controlling their effects and consequences on our failing environment. The consequences far outweigh the visible benefits. The environment that these hybrid animals would need is quickly warming and will not be able to sustain a new tundra species, let alone our current animal species there now. Reintroducing a new animal to our already deteriorating ecosystem.
De-extinction should not be used as a redo for species that have gone extinct. They have gone extinct for a reason (weather, population, poaching…) and if we want to prevent and reverse the effects of extinction, we need to fix our own policies regarding these issues first.
Animals are extremely different, and just because the technique they use on celebrities dogs to clone them works, doesn’t mean we can bring back a T-rex if we wanted to. There are thankfully limitations to this science. The current genetic techniques we use now require an intact cell with a nucleus full of DNA and a host that is compatible enough to carry the hybrid. The wolly mammoth was a candidate for this technology because they found a surprisingly well preserved mammoth with blood still viable. This is rare and still requires finding a cell not degraded by the permafrost. The need for a gene sequence that is similar enough to the species is also easily provided by mammoths relatives, elephants. Not every species is going to present with samples as easily or host DNA as readily. Cloning is not something that should be on the top of our priority list. We should instead focus these efforts on environmental and preventative measures to protect the species that are alive but currently endangered.
https://qz.com/1566083/we-shouldnt-bring-back-extinct-animals-like-the-woolly-mammoth/
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2017/07/woolly-mammoths-extinction-cloning-genetics/
https://www.nature.com/articles/srep44585