What Killed Europe’s Ancient Wild Cattle? Scientists Find a Disturbing Answer

The fate of Scandinavia’s aurochs, a wild cattle species, serves as a warning to conservationists worldwide. Hunting alone may not save species facing depleted genetic diversity and fragmented habitats. The aurochs, once widespread across Europe, Asia, and northern Africa, disappeared from Scandinavia thousands of years ago, and the species became extinct in the 17th century. Today's farm cattle are descended from these wild animals.