A rewilding charity are in the process of releasing a herd of up to 15 Tauros at Dundreggan Estate, Glenmoriston, to trial the breeds environmental impact.
The ‘Tauros Project’, that was established in 2013 by Rewilding Europe, in collaboration with the Dutch Tauros Foundation, has faced criticism for their decision to introduce the giant breed at the 10,000-acre site located just 8km from Loch Ness.
The breed bred to closely resemble the formerly native auroch species, extinct since approximately 1627, has been chosen as a means of developing biodiversity in the area.
Many local farmers have questioned the intention of the charity's proposal considering the extensive list of native breeds that can perform the same objectives within the ecosystem.
Jock Gibson, a multifaceted farmer and butcher from Forres, was heavily critical of the announcement, he said: “I think there are perfectly suitable native cattle that can do the same job, and it seems like they are more interested in creating headlines than achieving an ecological rewilding goal.”
Tauros are classified as domestic cattle and are similar in stature to their ancient auroch ancestors, reaching upwards of 180cm in shoulder-height, 60cm greater than a full-grown Highland bull.
Studies of the cattle, introduced to the Netherlands in the early 00’s, proclaim them as an active breed that create ‘microhabitats’ which support ground-dwelling invertebrates and pioneer species such as dandelions or stinging nettles.
https://www.thescottishfarmer.co.uk/news/24644610.making-scotch-lamb-star-show/
Steven Micklewright, the chief executive of Trees for Life, said: “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.”
However, Mr Gibson argues that Scotland already has the means of achieving these goals without introducing a new species, he said: “We have already got breeds of cattle here and the knowledge to accomplish what they are looking to achieve, there is no need to import what is essentially a wild animal for the sake of drawing in some attention.
“To me it doesn’t appear a sensible choice.”
Nature Scot have stated that well managed cattle grazing provides a key aspect of restoring natural habitats, citing uses of Highland cattle and Belted Galloways in reestablishing habitat for other species across Scotland as vital to improving biodiversity.
In response to the project outline NatureScot said: "We understand the tauros cattle are being released as wild-living farm animals, so we would expect the project to have considered and planned for good conservation outcomes, taking account of biological, social and cultural impacts.
"Although a licence is not required from NatureScot for releasing domestic livestock, the usual legal and welfare regulations for livestock applies."
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