The huge animals once roaming across Europe set to ‘return’ near UK lake

Ancient beasts that have been extinct for over 400 years could be introduced to an estate in Scotland.

Cattle being bred to resemble aurochs could be commonplace on an estate found near Loch Ness.

Aurochs are an extinct cattle species which is considered to be the wild ancestor of the modern domestic cattle.

These creatures were once found across Europe including Scotland and became extinct in 1627.

Their extinction was due to a combination of human activities such as diseases, hunting and habitat loss.

Tauros are a back-bred descendant of the aurochs and could see them being introduced in the UK for the first time.

Tauros could be seen on the 9,884-acre Dundreggan Estate as proposed by Findhorn-headquartered Trees for Life, a non-profit organisation.

Tauros bulls are known to grow to an impressive 1.8m (6ft) and cows 1.5m (5ft) in height, similar in size to aurochs.

Reintroducing these mighty beasts were found in northeastern Portugal in Côa Valley which was introduced by Rewilding Portugal.

The Côa Valley is no stranger to Tauros and is seen in ancient paintings in various caves in the region.

Other regions with herds of Tauros include Spain, Croatia and Czech Republic.

In Scotland, Trees for Life is set to introduce these animals from the Netherlands to south Inverness with the aim of having 15 of them in Scotland by 2026.

“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,” said Steve Miclewright, Chief Executive of Trees for Life.

He added that the aim of this project will be to better adapt from the past when these animals existed and to restore natural habitats for them while also boosting biodiversity in the area.

This can be achieved through bull pits which the animals dig out by using their hooves and long horns creating these large bowl-shaped holes in the ground.

These bull pits help form micro-habitats which support birds, plant life, small mammals and insects, says the charity.

“We all know we have these wonderful Highland coos, and they’re wonderful hairy creatures,” added Micklewright.

“This is something a bit wilder, something a bit bigger. And I think that will bring us a sense of excitement.”