Aurochs (SciiFii)

The aurochs (Bos primigenius), also known as urus or ure, is a species of large wild cattle, the original wild ancestor to domestic cattle, that originally lived in Europe, Asia, and North Africa during the Pleistocene through the Holocene and was once extinct, but the three subspecies of wild aurochs has since been brought back from extinction by SciiFii and reintroduced to Europe, Asia, and North Africa based on what subspecies of aurochs lived there originally to help boost biodiversity. The European aurochs subspecies has also been introduced to North America to interbreed with the feral cattle to combat global warming from the domestic cattle burping out methane, as wild aurochs produces much less methane than their domesticated counterparts. The aurochs is a rather large wild bovine, growing to be around the size of the European bison, about 155–180 cm (61–71 inches) in bulls and 135–155 cm (53–61 inches) in cows, while aurochs populations in Hungary have bulls reaching 155–160 cm (61–63 inches). Because of the massive horns, the frontal bones of aurochs are elongated and broad. The horns of the aurochs are characteristic in size, curvature, and orientation. They are curved in three directions: upwards and outwards at the base, then swinging forwards and inwards, then inwards and upwards. Aurochs horns can reach 80 cm (31 inches) in length and between 10 and 20 cm (3.9 and 7.9 inches) in diameter. The horns of bulls are larger, with the curvature more strongly expressed than in cows. The horns grow from the skull at a 60° angle to the muzzle, facing forwards. Like many bovids, aurochs form herds for at least a part of the year. These herds do not number much more than 30. The social status in aurochs is gained through displays and fights, in which cows engage as well as bulls. Aurochs bulls are reported to often have severe fights. As in other wild cattle ungulates that form unisexual herds, considerable sexual dimorphism is expressed. Ungulates that form herds containing animals of both sexes, such as horses, have more weakly developed sexual dimorphism. During the mating season, which takes place during the late summer or early autumn, the bulls have severe fights, and sometimes these can lead to death. In autumn, aurochs feed up for the winter and get fatter and shinier than during the rest of the year. Calves are born in spring. The calf stays at the cow's side until it is strong enough to join and keep up with the herd on the feeding grounds. Calves are vulnerable to wolves, hyenas, and, to an extent, bears, while healthy adult aurochs do not have to fear these predators, however, the adults are sometimes preyed on by big cats, such as lions and tigers. The conservation status of the aurochs is Vulnerable due to some habitat loss and historic poaching, however, the conservationists have worked their best in protecting this species, allowing this species to make a comeback.