Gaur

Bos gaurus

The gaur (Bos gaurus) is the massive wild cattle species of South and Southeast Asian forests, grasslands, and forest edges. Mature bulls can be very large, with a high muscular shoulder ridge, dark coat, pale lower legs, and thick horns that sweep outward and upward. Gaur graze and browse in herds, using salt licks, forest clearings, and seasonal food sources. They are related to domestic cattle but remain powerful wild bovids with strong herd reactions.

Human management involves protected-area stewardship, conflict reduction, zoo care, and sometimes conservation breeding. Wild gaur may damage crops or encounter livestock, so managers watch disease exchange, fencing, water access, and safe buffer zones. In captivity they need strong hoofstock facilities, room for herd movement, shade, browse or pasture, mineral balance, and handling systems built for size and force. Records should distinguish gaur from gayal or mithun, the domesticated or semi-domesticated cattle forms associated with gaur ancestry in some regions.