A Strange Case of Cloned Sheep Trafficking

In a peculiar incident that highlights both wildlife trafficking and cloning, a Montana man named Arthur Schubarth was sentenced to six months in prison in September for his role in the illicit trade of cloned sheep. Schubarth trafficked the body parts of a near-threatened Marco Polo argali sheep from Kyrgyzstan and, in 2015, collaborated with a laboratory to create his own cloned sheep, which he named Montana Mountain King (MMK). He later used MMK's semen to impregnate ewes and sold the resulting offspring to large game hunters, raising ethical concerns about wildlife conservation.

This case stands out as only the second known prosecution of a wildlife crime in the U.S. that involves animal cloning. The first occurred in 2011 when a man was penalized $1.5 million for smuggling deer and attempting to clone them, specifically involving the illegal purchase and transportation of deer semen.

The Unfolding Mystery of MMK's Descendants

What adds complexity to Schubarth's case is the possibility that numerous descendants of MMK may currently be roaming the U.S. As detailed in legal documents, these contraband sheep are referenced in plea agreements from participants who allegedly purchased sheep from Schubarth or brought ewes to his ranch for insemination. The exact number of these sheep is unknown, alongside their current whereabouts.

From court filings, it is evident that significant numbers of ewes were transferred to Schubarth's ranch, potentially leading to a sizable population of sheep carrying MMK's genetic traits. In fact, one document indicated that in November 2018, a person transported 26 ewes for insemination, and in subsequent years, even more ewes were brought to the ranch.

Additionally, there are allegations of MMK’s offspring being sold, with one transaction in July 2020 including 11 of MMK's grandchildren for $13,200, and another sheep dubbed Montana Black Magic for $10,000. Another Marco Polo hybrid sheep was reportedly sold to a South Dakota resident, further complicating the illegal trade.

The Fate of MMK and Its Genetic Legacy

While many of MMK's offspring remain unaccounted for, the cloned sheep himself has been secured. After being temporarily housed in an accredited facility in Oregon, MMK was relocated to Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, New York, on October 2. According to Christina Meister from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), MMK is expected to make his public debut at the zoo in mid-November.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the intersection between wildlife conservation efforts and the emerging technology of cloning, emphasizing the ongoing challenges faced by wildlife authorities in addressing illegal trafficking.

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