Summary
Wildlife experts in the UK want to bring back Eurasian elk to the East Midlands after around 3,000 years. They received £15,000 from the Rewilding Britain charity to study how to reintroduce these animals, which can help other wildlife by creating habitats.
Key Facts
- Eurasian elk were last present in the UK about 3,000 years ago.
- The Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Wildlife Trusts received £15,000 for studies to reintroduce elk.
- Elks are considered "keystone" species, which means they help create habitats for other animals.
- The reintroduction will include a disease risk assessment to prevent spreading infections to livestock.
- Public consultation with 2,000 households has been part of the planning, with more outreach planned.
- Originally, elk lived in various habitats in the UK and were lost due to hunting by early humans.
- European moose, similar to elk, are large animals, weighing 380-700 kg (838-1,543 lb) and standing 1.4m to 2.1m high.
