The Return of the Aurochs as the Tauros: From Extinction Back to the Pastures

For nearly 400 years, the aurochs, or urus, the wild ancestor of all modern domesticated cattle, has been considered extinct. However, it may soon reappear in the form of the Tauros, its selectively bred successor, in the UK. According to a report by BBC Countryfile, there are plans to reintroduce these prehistoric animals to the hills of Scotland as part of the Northwoods Rewilding Network initiative.

The history of the aurochs

The aurochs once roamed the landscapes of Europe, North Africa, and West Asia. These wild cattle were much larger than today’s domesticated breeds: bulls could grow up to 180 centimeters tall and weigh nearly a ton, while their distinctive horns could reach up to 80 centimeters in length. Their impressive stature and deep black coats, marked by a light dorsal stripe, are famously depicted in the prehistoric cave paintings of Lascaux.

As human populations expanded, the aurochs came under increasing pressure. Over the centuries, hunters decimated their numbers, and the clearing of forests for agriculture further reduced their habitats. The last known aurochs died in a Polish forest in 1627.

Back-breeding: The Tauros as the successor of the aurochs

Although the aurochs is extinct, scientists have been working since the early 2000s to bring back its descendants through a process known as back-breeding. Genetic traits of the wild cattle have been preserved in various European domestic cattle breeds, allowing these characteristics to be combined to breed animals that closely resemble the original aurochs.

As part of Rewilding Europe‘s Tauros Programme, six domestic cattle breeds, including the Maronesa from northern Portugal and the Sayaguesa from northwestern Spain, were selectively bred. The result is the Tauros, a breed that closely mirrors the appearance and behavior of the original aurochs.

While the Tauros is not a direct genetic clone of the aurochs, it offers the opportunity to restore the ecological functions of the wild cattle in European landscapes and reinterpret its role within ecosystems.

Why the return of wild cattle is important

The aurochs was a true “landscape architect.” Through its selective grazing habits, it helped create a mosaic of forests, grasslands, and wetlands, contributing to a tremendous diversity of species. Today, the Tauros can fulfill similar functions. Its grazing habits open up space for wildflowers, while its hooves leave imprints in the soil, creating habitats for insects and small mammals.

Tauros bulls take this a step further. During the rutting season, they create “bull pits”—depressions in the ground that serve as microhabitats. These pits are often warmer than their surroundings, attracting insects such as butterflies, bees, and even ground-nesting birds.

Will the aurochs return to Britain?

In countries like the Netherlands, Croatia, and Portugal, Tauros cattle have already been successfully reintroduced into large nature reserves. There, they live in herds, are hunted by natural predators such as wolves, and their carcasses provide food for scavengers like eagles and vultures. These rewilding projects offer a fascinating glimpse into the possibilities of ecological restoration.

There are also plans in Britain, with initiatives like the Northwoods Rewilding Network. This network aims to bring wild cattle back to the Scottish hills to restore natural biodiversity and landscape structure. The project highlights how rewilding can provide not only ecological benefits but also socio-economic advantages by creating new nature-based business opportunities.

It remains to be seen when and if the Tauros will become established in Britain. What is certain is that the reintroduction of these animals has the potential to transform the landscapes of Europe in a significant and sustainable way.