Scientists in Tibet are working on a project to clone yaks, with the goal of creating a healthier and more fertile herd. The project, which is supported by the Tibetan government, has already produced several clones, including a small, fluffy black calf born via C-section.

Background

The long-haired Himalayan cattle, also known as yaks, are a critical part of the region’s economy and culture. However, both domestic yaks and their wild cousins have been facing threats for years, with some rare subspecies at risk of disappearing entirely.

Authorities in the southwestern Chinese region have poured tens of millions of dollars into boosting the yak industry in recent years, and they hope cloning can help. The first yak clone came in July 2025, and more clones were born this spring. Researchers are now aiming to create a herd of more than 100 “elite” yak clones by 2028, boasting desired traits like faster growth and larger size.

Concerns and Controversy

The project has raised concerns among international observers, with many experts acknowledging that there are legitimate arguments for using cloning in conservation, but also emphasizing the need for high levels of public transparency and accountability. The ethical waters are murky, and any such project should have clear goals, effective processes, and accountability mechanisms built in.

Some experts have also raised concerns about the potential impact of cloning on the genetic diversity of the yak population. The project’s lead scientist, Fang Shengguo, has said that cloning can offer a solution to the degradation crisis facing the yak population, but others have questioned the ethics of the project and the potential risks to the animals involved.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.