Details
Bos gaurus
One of the largest wild cattle, native to South and Southeast Asian forests. High shoulders, dark body, pale legs, and heavy horns identify it.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
Gaur use evergreen forest, deciduous forest, bamboo forest, and grassy forest edges. They need access to both grazing areas and cover.
Adult males are massive, dark brown to black, with a high shoulder ridge and pale lower legs. Females are smaller and often lighter.
They live in small herds and forage by day or night. Adults can defend themselves against large predators when grouped.
They eat grasses, bamboo, leaves, shoots, and fruit. Wet seasons favor fresh grass, while dry seasons increase browsing and bamboo use.
Females give birth to a single calf protected within the herd. Males often approach female groups during breeding periods.
Habitat conversion, disease from livestock, and hunting affect populations. Gaur are also important prey for tigers.
