Feral Cattle: The Wild Descendants of Domestic Livestock

Introduction

The idea of wild cows might seem intriguing, conjuring images of untamed beasts roaming freely in the wild. However, such a concept is not entirely accurate. We will explore the closely related notion of feral cattle, which have their roots in domesticated livestock brought from abroad, resulting in descendants that thrive in remote and less populated regions.

Origin of Feral Cattle

In Australia, feral cattle are common, descendants of domesticated livestock brought from Europe. Some of these cattle escaped captivity over generations, forming small herds in remote areas. These cattle are not entirely wild, but they do live the semi-feral existence that separates them from their domesticated counterparts. They are a testament to the adaptability of these animals and the harsh environments they inhabit.

Are There Truly Wild Cattle?

The idea of truly wild cattle, particularly in the sense of pre-domestication, is non-existent. However, there are cattle in India that live in a state similar to wild animals. These cattle are not owned by anyone and are closely associated with human communities. They are dependent on these communities even though they roam freely, much like the concept of girik (wild cow).

There are related species like oxen or bison which have wild, undomesticated populations. However, the domesticated breeds Bos taurus and Bos indicus are not found in the wild anymore, having been fully domesticated for thousands of years.

Feral Cattle: Definitions and Taxonomies

By definition, cattle all belong to the subfamily Bovinae, with the domesticated breeds having 60 chromosomes. However, there are several subgroups, such as the Buffalo (genus Bubalus) and Bison, which have 52 and 60 chromosomes respectively. The American Bison, when mated with a Bos taurus cow, can produce fertile offspring, a testament to their close genetic relationship.

Genetic studies and taxonomic classifications are still evolving. The current divisions among these species might not represent the true lineage, and future research may clarify this further. The distinctions between different cattle and bison species are crucial for understanding their behavior and adaptability in the wild.

Examples of Feral Cattle

There are documented instances of feral cattle living in former ranching areas where the original owners have given up, or where no other form of human activity has replaced ranching. In countries like the United States, there are wild longhorn cattle that are descendants of cattle brought by the Spanish centuries ago.

For example, in the western edge of the Sierra Madre Mountains, there may be pockets of feral longhorn cattle in dry washes and rivers with water sources too dangerous to utilize due to flash flooding. Similarly, in the arid regions of the Chihuahuan Desert, such as its eastern and western edges, there are small populations of feral cattle that have survived in areas too rugged and underutilized for human agriculture.

Many cattle breeders and ranchers rely on large old rivers with wide, flat, meandering channels covered in grass and trees. These areas often become havens for feral cattle, escaping the attention and control of humans. On the Red River between Oklahoma and Texas, there are several makeshift traps set up as pens, filled with feed, to try and capture both feral and escaped cattle.

Conclusion

The existence of feral cattle is a fascinating aspect of livestock history and ecology. While true wild cattle are non-existent, the longhorn cattle of the West offer a glimpse into the enduring legacy of early domesticated breeds. These animals adapt to harsh environments and continue to thrive, proving the resilience of cattle in the face of human abandonment and natural challenges.