5 Animals that went EXTINCT but are now back in the UK

As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, there are no animal species in the UK that have gone extinct and been successfully reintroduced. However, conservation efforts have been made to reintroduce certain species that were previously extinct or locally extinct in other parts of the world. Here are five examples of animals that have been reintroduced to other countries:

European Bison (Bison bonasus): The European bison, also known as the wisent, went extinct in the wild in the early 20th century. However, successful conservation and reintroduction programs have brought them back to several European countries, including Poland, Belarus, and Russia.

Gray Wolf (Canis lupus): Wolves were once widespread in many parts of Europe, including the UK. However, they were driven to extinction in the UK in the 18th century. Although there have been discussions and proposals for their potential reintroduction, no definitive plans have been implemented.

Beavers (Castor fiber): Beavers were hunted to extinction in the UK in the 16th century. In recent years, small populations of beavers have been reintroduced to certain areas of Scotland and England as part of conservation efforts to restore their ecological role in freshwater ecosystems.

White-tailed Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla): The white-tailed sea eagle was once native to the UK but was extirpated in the early 20th century due to human persecution. In the 1970s, reintroduction programs were initiated, and these magnificent birds have since made a successful comeback to parts of Scotland.

Red Kite (Milvus milvus): Red kites were persecuted and became extinct in England and Scotland in the late 19th century. Reintroduction efforts began in the 1980s, and the species has made a remarkable recovery, with breeding populations now established in several regions of the UK.

These examples illustrate successful conservation initiatives in bringing back certain species in various parts of the world. However, it's important to note that there are no confirmed instances of extinct animals being reintroduced to the UK as of my knowledge cutoff. Conservation efforts continue to focus on protecting and preserving endangered and threatened species in their remaining habitats.