aurochs

The aurochs (Bos primigenius) were a large species of wild cattle native to Europe, western Asia, and parts of North Africa. They are the wild ancestor of domestic cattle (Bos taurus). In some classifications, Asian populations are treated as a subspecies, Bos primigenius namadicus. The species became extinct in the early 17th century, with the last known individual dying in 1627 in the Jaktorów Forest, Poland.

Physically, aurochs were among the largest hoofed land mammals in their range. Adults commonly stood about 1.5 to 1.8 meters at the shoulder and weighed up to 1,000 kilograms or more. They had a massive head, a short neck, and long horns that curved backward. Coat color was variable, generally dark brown to black, with occasional lighter markings on the face or rump.

Ecologically, aurochs inhabited a wide range of habitats, from dense woodlands to open steppes and forest margins, often near water. They lived in herds led by females, with bulls associating seasonally. Their diet consisted of grasses, leaves, and shrubs, and they could browse when vegetation was scarce.

Domestication and legacy: The aurochs were domesticated into Bos taurus in the Near East around 10,000 years ago, giving rise to modern cattle that spread across Europe and Asia. The extinct species left a lasting imprint on landscapes and culture, featuring in art, folklore, and agriculture.

Extinction and modern efforts: Habitat loss, overhunting, and competition with domestic stock contributed to their decline. In the 20th century, backbred cattle such as Heck cattle were created to resemble aurochs. Contemporary programs, such as the Tauros Programme, seek to breed aurochs-like cattle from existing breeds to approximate the wild phenotype.