Aurochs were a breed of cow that last roamed Britain over 3,000 years ago. Four centuries after the last of the aurochs died in Poland, scientists have brought the species back to life and are preparing to reintroduce it to Scotland – well, kind of.
The scientists will actually be releasing a herd of tauros, a cross-breed of cow that has been bred to resemble the ancient aurochs as closely as possible. At six feet tall, aurochs were Europe’s heaviest mammals after the woolly mammoth and woolly rhino. Tauros are a similar size to their ancestors, with bulls reaching up to 180cm (for comparison, Highland bulls are around 120cm).
Rewilding charity Trees for Life is planning to create the first British herd of tauros, with 15 cows and bulls set to arrive from the Netherlands and settle at Dundreggan estate near Loch Ness. It’s part of a research project seeking to enhance biodiversity, education and ecotourism in the area. As they’re a cross-breed and not a completely separate species, it’s perfectly legal.
Steve Micklewright, chief executive of Trees for Life, said: ‘Introducing the aurochs-like tauros to the Highlands four centuries after their wild ancestors were driven to extinction will refill a vital but empty ecological niche – allowing us to study how these remarkable wild cattle can be a powerful ally for tackling the nature and climate emergencies.’
The charity hopes that the herd will be introduced to the estate in 2026.
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