The gaur Bos frontalis
The gaur, also called the Indian bison, is the largest extant representative of the bovids; its body length reaches over 3 meters, shoulder height is about 2.2 m, and weight is 1,200 kilograms (sometimes even 1,500 kg). The gaur’s huge head, robust body, and massive horns with the length of 90 to 115 cm give the impression of power and strength. The horns are curved throughout their length, bent inward and slightly backward at their tips, and look crescent-shaped. Gaur historically occurred throughout mainland tropical Asia and Sri Lanka but is currently found in scattered fragments of its former range, mainly within protected areas. It could be still seen in dense forests in India, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Nepal. Herds of the gaur usually contain 10 to 12 animals, but their size may reach 40 individuals. The herd consists of the adult male and females with their young. The male has to win his dominancy right in fights, though no severe injuries normally occur. Unlike many bovids, gaurs push their competitors with the side of their forehead, launching blows to the body side of rival animal by one of the horns. Young males, which are not ready for serious fights, form bachelor groups, while older bulls are solitary. Usually one calf is born after 270 to 280 days of gestation. Calves are nursed for nine months and then start feeding on plants. Populations of these magnificent and powerful animals are declining, with major threats being presented by the loss of suitable habitats, hunting for meat, and risk of the spread of infectious diseases transmitted by domestic cattle. Largest populations of the gaur are found in India, where 90% of these animals occur, while in the range countries of South-Eastern the gaur numbers are decreasing. The global wild population is estimated at less than 20,000 animals and this species in listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as “vulnerable”.
The gaur is one of five species of the Bovids, which were domesticated by humans. Domesticated gaur is known as the gayal, or the mithun.
