Highland Cattle

The iconic animal of Scotland, Highland Cattle are the oldest known cattle breed. Possessing a shaggy coat in varying shades of ginger, brown, black and cream, they are often raised as a source of meat while also being a contributor to the UK tourism industry. Males and females can be easily distinguished by their horns- they will come straight out of the head and curve forward in the bulls, while cows’ horns will extend upward with a fine point.

Facts

Diet: Herbivore; variety of plants and grasses that may be supplemented with cattle feed.

Weight: 400-900kg

Habitat: Scottish Highlands and surrounding islands; herds can live entirely outdoors in all elements on hillside or can be in managed herds at a lower elevation.

Life Span: 15-20 years

Adapted to Survive

Their horns can be used for both defence and to scrape away at snow or ice on the ground in order to reach the grass underneath
Shaggy coat insulates them from the weather, keeping them warm and dry

Threats

Not Evaluated (Domestic Species)

IUCN Conservation Status