Classic Moments in the Forest


Indian Peafowl | Blackbuck | Elephant | Spotted Deer | Common Langur
Wild Boar | Indian Gaur | Tiger | Sambar | Sloth Bear | Leopard
Nilgiri Tahr




Photograph by T.N.A. Perumal, F.R.P.S., M.F.I.A.P.

Indian Gaur, with Elephant in the background (Kabini, Karnataka)

» SCIENTIFIC NAME: Bos gaurus
» KANNADA NAME: Kadu Kona

Indian Gaur are not bison, but wild oxen. Their massive bodies and intimidating stare belie their true nature. An embodiment of vigour and strength, gaur are essentially timid and avoid confrontations with man. Considering their bulk, gaur are agile, swift climbers and have a keen sense of smell. Born a light golden-yellow colour, they turn jet black as they age. The largest gaur species are found in South India. Interestingly, gaur often feed alongside elephants, who are able to pull down the high bamboo shoots gaur love to eat.

Description: Average size of bulls: 5' 8"–5' 10" (175-180 cm.) height at shoulder, weigh about 1 ton; cows are about 4" (10 cm.) shorter. Cows have smaller, less sturdy horns. Chocolate or coffee coloured, with white stockings. A muscular ridge on the bull's shoulder slopes down to the middle of its back and ends in an abrupt dip.

Distribution: Western Ghats southwards, from south Maharashtra to hill forests of central and south-eastern peninsula and West Bengal.

Habits and habitat: Live in herds of 8-12. Herds may unite to form a stronger group as they search for pasture. Old bulls may live solitary lives.

Natural enemies: Jungle predators like tigers; disease and man.

Food: Herbivores, feeding on grass, leaves and the bark of certain trees. They frequent "salt licks", where the ground is impregnated with salts and other minerals. Graze early in the morning and again in the afternoon, resting during the hot hours of the day.

Breeding habits: Mating time varies. Males wander away during mating season, calling loudly and distinctively for cows. Gestation period not accurately known. Newborns are seen mainly from November to March.