Facts About Kouprey
The kouprey is a wild bovine species native to the forests of Southeast Asia. It was first identified in 1937 by French zoologist Achille Urbain at the Vincennes Zoo in Paris. Regrettably, the kouprey has not been observed since 1969-1970, and it is currently listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. These animals are closely related to the aurochs, gaur, and banteng.
Koupreys are distinguished by their unique physical characteristics: a tall, narrow body, long legs, a humped back, and large, curved horns. They can grow up to 2.3 meters in length and stand about 1.9 meters tall at the shoulder, weighing between 680 to 910 kilograms. Historically, koupreys roamed across Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam, but they are now believed to be extinct outside of Cambodia.
These animals prefer low, partially forested hills and primarily feed on grasses found in open forests and savannas. They live in herds led by a single female, with bulls joining the group during the dry season. Despite being legally protected in all their range states and ongoing conservation efforts, the kouprey population is estimated at fewer than 250 individuals, with some experts fearing they might already be extinct.
Genetic research on the kouprey has refuted initial claims that they were a hybrid species. Despite continuous conservation work and surveys to locate surviving koupreys, no sightings have been reported since 1983.