Introducing the Wild Tauros

Another major milestone in our rewilding journey at Pangea! Thanks to our ongoing collaboration with Rewilding Portugal, we have successfully introduced a herd of Tauros to the sanctuary as part of our commitment to restoring native biodiversity and natural grazing dynamics.

The Tauros is a keystone species, playing a vital role in shaping landscapes through natural grazing. These animals are part of the Tauros Programme, which seeks to restore the ecological role of the extinct aurochs (Bos primigenius) by selectively breeding modern cattle with primitive traits. By doing so, we can bring back a species that once maintained open habitats and controlled shrub encroachment. These newly introduced Tauros will help us develop a more resilient ecosystem in several ways:

• Keep the landscape healthy by naturally shaping a mix of open grasslands, bushes, and trees.
• Enrich the soil and support wildlife by spreading nutrients and seeds as they graze.
• Help prevent wildfires by eating dry vegetation that could otherwise fuel fires.

You can learn more about Rewilding Portugal’s Tauros Programme here.

A Rewilding Vision for the Future

The introduction of the Tauros is the second stage of a broader vision to create a self-sustaining landscape at Pangea. Over the next 3–5 years, our rewilding goals include:

1. Expanding natural grazing: Increasing the population of Tauros and previously introduced Sorraia horses while introducing additional grazers like the European bison and the Critically Endangered Somali wild ass, adding greater diversity to the ecological balance we hope to achieve.

2. Improving habitat connectivity: Gradually removing fences to allow for more natural movement of species and the creation of a truly wild landscape.

3. Reducing wildfire risk: Strengthening natural fire prevention strategies by allowing grazers to regulate vegetation growth and maintain open habitats.

4. Enhancing rotational grazing strategies: Using a carefully designed system to maximize biodiversity benefits, ensuring a natural balance between grazing pressure and habitat recovery.

What’s Next?

To ensure a smooth transition, the Tauros will first settle in a designated grazing area alongside the Sorraia horses, with provisions in place to support their adaptation. By April, they will be introduced to a larger, fully naturalized grazing area, where they can contribute to the restoration of Pangea’s ecosystems for years to come. We look forward to sharing more updates as the Tauros settle into their new home!

Photo credits: José Eduardo Fontes/Rewilding Portugal