The three extreme environment animals genomes projects refer to genome sequencing projects of two polar animals: the polar bear and emperor penguin, and one altiplano animal: the Tibetan antelope. These projects was co-launched by Scientists from BGI-Shenzhen, Illumina Inc., the Dalian Laohutan Ocean Park Research Center, Qinghai University, Qinghai University, the Institute of Oceanology (Chinese academy of sciences), and the Polar Research Institute of China on April 24^th 2009. This is another big research plan after the International Giant Panda Genome Project.

The three animals have specific characteristics and are all valuable resources for research. The penguin is a flightless bird of which many species are confined to the southern hemisphere. Evolutionary studies have indicated that periods of global warming strongly influenced penguin diversification. The polar bear is the world's largest land carnivore and is native to the Arctic Ocean and its surrounding seas. Although many of its physical characteristics are specifically adapted for surviving in a harsh climate, it is extremely sensitive to air pollution and climate changes. The Tibetan antelope is native to the Tibetan plateau in China, and inhabits alpine meadow and desert regions at an altitude of 3,500-5,500 meters above sea level. It has several adaptations for alpine-cold tolerance and most specifically for anti-hypoxia and running, making it a key model animal to investigate mammalian hypoxia adaptability.

The launch of these sequencing projects not only fills taxonomic gaps for completing an extensive and detailed complete genomic picture for the Tree of Life Project that was previously launched at BGI-Shenzhen, it also provide an essential scientific basis for further studies on extreme-climate adaptation, evolution, diversity, species protection, and climate change.