The wild, extinct supercow returning to Europe

Kieron Monks, CNN

Updated 1258 GMT (2058 HKT) January 9, 2017

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Conservationists and scientists are aiming to produce an animal that will be a "near 100% substitute" of the ancient auroch, one of the earliest cow species, which became extinct in 1627.

Photos: Can auroch substitute save European ecosystems?

Auroch around the clock – Conservationists and scientists are aiming to produce an animal that will be a "near 100% substitute" of the ancient auroch, one of the earliest cow species, which became extinct in 1627.

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Dutch ecologist Ronald Goderie launched the Tauros programme in 2008, using a technique known as back-breeding to produce an animal similar to the auroch, which would be named 'Tauros.'

Photos: Can auroch substitute save European ecosystems?

Tauros programme – Dutch ecologist Ronald Goderie launched the Tauros programme in 2008, using a technique known as back-breeding to produce an animal similar to the auroch, which would be named 'Tauros.'

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The group assembled breeds with genetics most similar to the auroch, and bred them together for a closer match. <br />These included the Maronesa cow of Portugal.

Photos: Can auroch substitute save European ecosystems?

Dream team – The group assembled breeds with genetics most similar to the auroch, and bred them together for a closer match.
These included the Maronesa cow of Portugal.

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Photos: Can auroch substitute save European ecosystems?

Longhorn – The Maremmana cow of Italy was also included.

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Photos: Can auroch substitute save European ecosystems?

Poster boy – 'Manolo Uno' was one of the earliest products of the back-breeding programme.

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A second generation Tauros at a breeding site in the Netherlands. Goderie expects the project will require seven generations for an acceptable outcome, which could be achieved by 2025.

Photos: Can auroch substitute save European ecosystems?

New breed – A second generation Tauros at a breeding site in the Netherlands. Goderie expects the project will require seven generations for an acceptable outcome, which could be achieved by 2025.

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Tauros herd in the Czech Republic, one of several locations around Europe where the animals have been released to fend for themselves. <br /><br />In addition to appearance and behavior, they must undergo a process of de-domestication that will allow them to survive in the wild, and deal with predators such as wolves.

Photos: Can auroch substitute save European ecosystems?

Into the wild – Tauros herd in the Czech Republic, one of several locations around Europe where the animals have been released to fend for themselves.

In addition to appearance and behavior, they must undergo a process of de-domestication that will allow them to survive in the wild, and deal with predators such as wolves.

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