Brazil eyes cloning to bolster endangered species

BRASILIA (AFP) - Scientists in Brazil will try cloning endangered animal species like the jaguar, a researcher said on Wednesday.

"The idea is to start with an animal that is endangered, or where species numbers have gone down sharply, such as the jaguar, the maned wolf or even the local deer," said Carlos Frederico Martins, a researcher with Embrapa Cerrado.

State-run Embrapa, the government's animal research unit, is launching the effort jointly with the Brasilia Zoo, the institutions told AFP. They are set to sign a joint agreement.

The research will also include experiments on artificial insemination and embryo transplants for species at risk.