After 2,000 Years, Elk May Soon Return to Britain

Closely related to the North American moose, this enormous semiaquatic deer went extinct in Britain around 2000 to 3000 years ago.

Credit: Ondrej Prosicky | Rewilding Britain

Overhunting across Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries caused substantial population declines and range loss. Happily, against the odds, the Eurasian elk survived, and today it is the largest living deer species and is widespread in Scandinavia and Poland.

Now, Brits are daring to imagine gangs (yes, gangs!) of elk roaming a dazzling mosaic of rewilded and “rewetted” fenland, nibbling on shrubs and submerged vegetation. The seeds of just such a vision are being planted in Britain, as two local wildlife trusts look to reintroduce the Eurasian elk. These majestic, semi-aquatic beings, are major ecosystem engineers. Like its smaller cousin the red deer, it influences the natural regeneration of shrubs and trees. Their nibbling of herbs and the leafy components of shrubs and young tree seedlings helps promote natural regeneration. Their grazing and trampling help to maintain open clearings.

They select leaves of birch, ash and willow trees in spring and summer, and browse twigs of various trees and dwarf shrubs in autumn and winter. Elk close their nostrils to submerge completely underwater for feeding. Submerged vegetation makes up a significant part of the elk’s diet – even more than that of a hippopotamus, says RewildingBritain.org

The project is still in its early stages, with initial funding (provided by Rewilding Britain’s Innovation Fund) being used to conduct a feasibility study and consult local communities and landowners. The reintroductions would start in enclosed areas, partly because habitats suitable for elk, particularly woodlands and wetlands, are in need of significant restoration across Britain.