Indian Gaur (Bos gaurus)

About Indian Gaur (Bos gaurus)

• The Indian Gaur is also known as Indian Bison.
• It is the world’s largest living wild bovine (wild cattle).
• Family: It belongs to the Bovidae family.
• State Animal: It is the state animal of Goa and Bihar.
• Habitat: They primarily inhabit evergreen, semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests with open grasslands.
  • They prefer hilly areas below 1,500–1,800 metres, with large, undisturbed forests and abundant water.
  • However, a recent camera-trap study in eastern Sikkim recorded a gaur at 3,542 metres, the highest verified photographic sighting of the species globally.
• Distribution: Gaurs are indigenous to South and Southeast Asia.
• Characteristics:
  • Physical Appearance: Gaurs have a massive body, a prominent muscular shoulder hump and strong limbs.
    • Both sexes have horns, while adult males are generally black and females are dark brown.
  • Behaviour: Gaurs are generally diurnal (active during the day) in undisturbed habitats.
    • However, in areas affected by human disturbance, they have become largely nocturnal (active at night).
  • Ecological Significance: They help maintain forest balance by shaping vegetation and dispersing seeds.
    • They also serve as important prey for tigers.
• Threats:
  • Habitat loss
  • Diseases such as rinderpest and foot-and-mouth disease transmitted by domestic cattle threaten their survival
• Status:
  • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
  • CITES: Appendix I
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I