Whether it was because of anthropogenic activities or changes in their environment that led to animals going extinct, the chances of bringing them back with the technology that we have right now is not that high. However, there are projects in the experimental stages pushing the idea of de-extinction where scientists are attempting to revive extinct species through methods like cloning or gene editing. It might be an interesting prospect but some ethical concerns have also been raised such as the "Jurassic Park" argument, whether it would be right to bring back these animals into an environment completely different from when they still existed.
Contrary to what one might think, these scientists don't plan to revive dinosaurs like the T-rex, triceratops, or pterodactyls. Instead, the species on their list include animals like the Pyrenean Ibex or passenger pigeon. Perhaps, the oldest animal species on the list would be the woolly mammoth, but even then, it won't be too far-fetched to think that they might be able to adapt in today's environment. To learn about the animals on the list of prospective de-extinction candidates, when they became extinct, and what method is suggested to bring them back, check it out on Discover Mag.
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