CRISPR and Conservation

CRISPR or 'gene editing' is a powerful tool for subtly changing an organism's DNA. Conservationists are generally focused on saving the natural world. Anthropogenic (human) influences are, however, rapidly changing the planet, often making it difficult for organisms to cope. Some Conservationists are now considering using CRISPR to make organisms more resistant. For example, the Crested anole can be given small DNA tweeks to make it better at climbing. Sea birds could be made resistant to bird 'flu. This would mean, however, a nature dictated by one species.