uroksen

The uroksen, also known as the aurochs, was a large species of wild cattle that inhabited Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Its scientific name is Bos primigenius. The uroksen was the wild ancestor of domestic cattle. These powerful animals were characterized by their large size, long, curved horns, and dark coat. Males were typically larger and more robust than females. They were primarily grazers, feeding on grasses and other vegetation. The uroksen played a significant role in the ecosystems where they lived, influencing plant communities through their grazing habits.

The uroksen was present in Europe from the Upper Paleolithic period onwards. Archaeological evidence, including cave paintings and bone remains, indicates that humans hunted uroksen for food and possibly for their hides. As human populations grew and agriculture spread, the uroksen's habitat was increasingly encroached upon. This, combined with hunting pressure, led to a significant decline in their numbers. The last known individual uroksen, a female, is believed to have died in Poland in 1627. The extinction of the uroksen marked the loss of a significant wild megafauna species. Attempts have been made to "recreate" the uroksen through selective breeding of domestic cattle, a process known as back-breeding, aiming to resemble the ancestral wild form.