Gaur

The gaur, also known as the Indian bison, is a massive and impressive wild cattle species native to South and Southeast Asia. Unfortunately, it has been listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 1986, with an estimated global population of up to 21,000 mature individuals as of 2016. Over the last three generations, the gaur population has plummeted by more than 70%, and they are now extinct in Sri Lanka and possibly Bangladesh. However, the encouraging news is that in well-protected areas, their numbers are stable and even increasing.

The gaur stands out with its enormous build, large ears, and distinctive horns. It is the largest species among wild cattle, featuring a unique convex ridge on its forehead and another along its back. Adult males are dark brown, while females and young bulls display a lighter shade.

These magnificent animals mainly reside in evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous, and dry deciduous forests. They prefer habitats with extensive forest tracts, hilly terrain, water sources, and ample forage. Once spread across a wide range in South and Southeast Asia, gaur populations are now fragmented, with some regions experiencing local extinctions.

Gaur are mostly active during the day but can switch to nighttime activities in areas with significant human presence. They live in herds led by a matriarch and exhibit intriguing behaviors related to mating, feeding, and predator interactions. Tigers are their main natural predators, but human activities such as poaching pose a serious threat to their survival.

Several conservation efforts are in place to protect the gaur. These include legal protections in their range states, listing on CITES Appendix I, and preserving their genetic resources through cryoconservation. The taxonomy of the gaur has undergone revisions, traditionally recognizing three subspecies. The name "gaura" comes from Sanskrit, referring to their coloration. The gaur is culturally significant, being the state animal of Goa and Bihar, and appears in various aspects of popular culture.