The Indian Gaur (Bos gaurus), often called the Indian Bison. With its towering build, sweeping horns, and commanding presence, it proudly holds the title of the world’s largest wild cattle species.”
🌿 Appearance & Physical Traits
- Height: Up to 220 cm at the shoulder, taller than domestic cattle.
- Weight: 600–1,000 kg; adult bulls can exceed a ton.
- Build: Muscular with a prominent ridge on the back and shiny dark brown to black coat.
- Horns: Curved and strong, serving both defense and dominance in herds.
🌍 Habitat
The Indian Gaur thrives in evergreen and deciduous forests across India, Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of Southeast Asia. In India, they are frequently spotted in reserves like Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Tadoba, and Nagarhole.
🌱 Diet & Behavior
- Herbivorous: Consumes grasses, shoots, bamboo, and fruits.
- Social: Found in small herds led by a matriarch.
- Temperament: Shy and gentle, but protective. If threatened, a gaur can display tremendous power.
🛡 Conservation Status
- Threatened by habitat destruction, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.
- Conservation efforts in India have stabilized some populations in protected areas.
🎉 Fun Facts About Gaurs
- The largest wild bovine species in the world.
- Often mistaken as “Indian Bison,” though they are not true bison.
- Tigers are their primary predator, but even a tiger carefully chooses its battle with a healthy adult gaur.