Ancient wild cattle extinct for 400 years are set to be reintroduced to rewild the Highlands near Loch Ness in a groundbreaking project. Trees for Life has initiated a conservation scheme at Dundreggan Estate, which could see the introduction of massive, long-horned wild cattle called tauros to Scotland. These tauros are bred to resemble the ancient aurochs, the wild ancestor of domestic cattle, which played a crucial role in ecosystems for millennia, including in Scotland. Aurochs became extinct in Europe 400 years ago and disappeared from Britain around 1300 BC, with their size being likened to that of woolly mammoths.
The rewilding charity plans to introduce a herd of up to 15 tauros from the Netherlands to the 4000-hectare Dundreggan estate near Loch Ness in 2026 as part of a scientific research venture. Steve Micklewright, CEO of Trees for Life, expressed the importance of reintroducing the tauros to fill an ecological niche and study their impact on tackling environmental challenges. The Tauros Project aims to restore nature-rich landscapes in Scotland, supporting wildlife and resilient ecosystems.
Aurochs once roamed Europe, sustaining diverse habitats, and auroch DNA is preserved in ancient cattle breeds. Tauros have been genetically manipulated to mimic aurochs, with bulls reaching nearly six feet in height and cows up to five feet. These wild cattle can thrive in various environmental conditions with minimal human intervention. European research has shown the benefits of tauros on landscapes, as they graze and create micro-habitats that support diverse wildlife.
Tauros are known for their placid nature, and Trees for Life plans to release a small herd in Scotland over a five-year research period. The tauros reintroduction project in Scotland signifies a significant step towards rewilding efforts in the region, aiming to restore native biodiversity and ecosystems. The project could offer insights into how reintroducing large herbivores can contribute to ecological restoration and climate resilience in the Scottish Highlands.