Gaur
The gaur, known scientifically as Bos gaurus, is the largest species of wild cattle, primarily found in the upland tropical forests of Indochina, including regions of Nepal, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and Burma. Characterized by their striking chestnut brown coats and unique white markings resembling knee socks, gaurs can reach heights of 5 to 6.5 feet and lengths of 8 to 10 feet, with males weighing significantly more than females. These herbivores thrive in forested habitats, where they search for water and forage on grasses, herbs, and shrubs, while remaining vigilant against predators like tigers and saltwater crocodiles.
Gaurs typically live in small herds consisting of related females and a mature male, especially during breeding seasons. Their mating behaviors involve competitive displays among males, with the loudest bull often securing breeding rights. The gestation period lasts approximately 275 days, after which the mother is highly protective of her young, aware of the predatory threats in their environment. Unfortunately, gaurs face several challenges, including habitat loss, hunting, and diseases from domestic cattle, leading them to be classified as a vulnerable species. Some populations have even become extinct, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts.
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Gaur
The beautiful gaurs are the largest of the wild cattle. They live in areas scattered throughout the upland tropical forests of Indochina.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Artiodactyla
Family: Bovidae
Genus: Bos
Species: Gaurus
Gaurs have beautiful chestnut brown coats and look as though they are wearing white knee socks. Their large ears stick out on either side of their heads, directly beneath their two horns which curve out and up in a semi-circle. There is a raised ridge of bone between their horns which is used in battle between male gaurs, which are called bulls. Gaurs have a dorsal bump, or a hump on the top back of the neck portion of their backs, and dewlaps, or folds of skin, under their necks. These body parts help keep the gaurs cool by giving off body heat. Gaurs grow to be between five and 6 1/2 feet (1 1/2 to two meters) tall. Males have a head and body length of between eight and ten feet (2 1/2 to three meters), and weigh between 1,300 and 3,300 pounds (590 and 1,497 kilograms). Females have the same head and body length as male gaurs, but only weigh between 900 and 1,500 pounds (452 1/2 and 680 1/3 kilograms). Gaurs are the largest of all the wild cattle and all of the bovids.
Gaurs live in small herds composed of related females and their young, along with a single mature male, during breeding season. Herds like these are scattered around the upland tropical forests of IndoChina in such places as Nepal, western Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and Burma. Gaurs like forests because the trees keep them cool. They travel in search of water and foods such as grass, herbs, and shrubs. Gaurs are herbivores, or plants-eaters.
Gaurs spend part of their time eating and part of their time keeping alert for their main enemy, the tiger. A single tiger can kill a full-grown adult gaur. If a tiger is seen, the gaur gives out a sharp, loud snort to sound the alarm. Guars also protect themselves by sharing their territory with pigs, deer, and birds that will also alert them if danger is approaching. Gaurs are also threatened by saltwater crocodiles. In addition to the threat of being killed by tigers and crocodiles, gaurs are also threatened by a reduction in the upland forest habitat.
Gaurs typically mate in the summer and their young are born in the springtime when there is plenty of grass to feed on. However, gaurs can breed throughout the year as well. Bulls find the cows (females) that are ready to mate and then may have to fight other bulls over particular cows. The bulls battle by threatening one another with loud bellows. The loudest bull wins. The victorious bull may mate with ten cows in a season. The gestation period (duration of pregnancy) is 275 days. The cow then leaves the herd to give birth alone. She is very protective of her young, because she knows the dangerous tiger is hoping to find a defenseless calf for dinner. After a few days, the mother and calf return to the herd. The playful young calf nurses for between seven to twelve months. At three years, a male calf leaves the herd to join a bachelor herd, a herd of only immature males.
The life span of the gaur is around 30 years. The gaur is listed as a vulnerable species due to habitat loss, hunting for its meat and horns, and disease spread from domestic cattle. In some areas, the gaur has become extinct.
Bibliography
Hamilton, Douglas. “Gaur (Bos Gaurus).” Thai National Parks, 2024, www.thainationalparks.com/species/gaur. Accessed 1 Apr. 2024.
Parks, Abby. “Wildlife in India - Types of Indian Animals.” A-Z Animals, 21 Feb. 2023, a-z-animals.com/animals/location/asia/india. Accessed 1 Apr. 2024.