What kind of animal is the gaur, a wild herbivore that lives in the forests of the bovidae family? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. This animal, which is also known by other names such as gaur, Indian gaur, and Indian yaguru, is very famous. We will explain the details of this animal, which is distributed over a fairly wide area from Southeast Asia to South Asia.
What is Gaul? Basic Stats
Gaur is an even-toed ungulate mammal classified in the order Artiodactyla, family Bovidae, genus Bos. Its scientific name is Bos gaurus, and its English name is Gaur. Its body length is 250-330cm, its weight is 600-1,000kg, and its tail length is 100cm. The list of information is as follows. It is also called Gaur, Indian Gaur, or Indian Yagyu.
| Japanese（和名） | ガウル |
| English（英名） | Gaur |
| scientific name(学名) | Bos gaurus |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、Artiodactyl、 Bovidae、Bos 哺乳綱、偶蹄目、ウシ科、ウシ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | VULNERABLE |
| Length（体長） | 250～330cm |
| Weight（体重） | 600～1,000kg |
taxonomy
もし「ガウル（Gaur）」の分類学を指す場合、基本的には次の通りです：
| 階級 | 分類 |
|---|---|
| 界 | 動物界（Animalia） |
| 門 | 脊索動物門（Chordata） |
| 綱 | 哺乳綱（Mammalia） |
| 目 | 偶蹄目（Artiodactyla） |
| 科 | ウシ科（Bovidae） |
| 属 | ガウル属（Bos） |
| 種 | ガウル（Bos gaurus） |
Habitat
According to data, wild gaurs are found in Southeast Asia, primarily in India, Myanmar, Indochina, and the Malay Peninsula. They are the world’s largest cattle and live in forests.
① Geographical Distribution
The gaur is found mainly in the tropical forests of South and Southeast Asia. The main countries are as follows:
Region Characteristics
India: Inhabits the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, national parks, and protected areas
Nepal: Forests in Sherpa areas, with protected populations in national parks
Bhutan: Forest areas at altitudes of 1,000-2,500m
Thailand: Tropical forests and protected areas in northern and northeastern Thailand
Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam: Tropical rainforests and mountainous areas
Malaysia and Indonesia (Sumatra): Distribution range of the Sumatran endemic subspecies
② Habitat Characteristics
Commonly found in forests at altitudes of 200-2,500m
Prefers tropical and subtropical evergreen and deciduous broadleaf forests
Often found near rivers and water sources (for drinking and food)
Feeds in open grasslands and forest edges
③ Conservation Status and Impacts
Habitat is declining due to agricultural development, deforestation, and poaching
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists it as Vulnerable (VU)
Habitat protection and conservation in national parks are important
What are its characteristics? What kind of creature is it?
Gaurs have dark brown, reddish brown, or black fur, white tips on their limbs, and crescent-shaped horns in both males and females. These horns can reach a length of nearly 80 cm, with larger males reaching up to 110 cm. They have a sturdy build with a bulge from the shoulders to the back. Gaurs live in forest areas such as evergreen forests, tropical rainforests, and deciduous forests, and live in groups.
1️⃣ Basic Characteristics
Item Description
Scientific Name: Bos gaurus
Classification: Mammalia → Artiodactyla → Bovidae
Body Type: One of the world’s largest wild cattle, standing 1.7-2.2 m and weighing 650-1,000 kg
Lifespan: Approximately 15-20 years in the wild
Also Known As: Indian Bison
Personality: Gentle but cautious, lives in groups
2️⃣ Physical Characteristics
Physique and Muscles
Very large and sturdy body
Well-developed neck and shoulder muscles give a powerful impression
Coat Color
Generally dark brown to black
Young individuals are light brown, becoming darker as they mature
Horns
Both males and females have horns
Males have horns that curve upwards and reach lengths of up to 60-100cm
Used for defense and intimidation
Face
Long muzzle, large, gentle eyes
Powerful, yet gentle-looking face
Feet and Hooves
Because they are ungulate, they have two hooves
Structure allows them to walk steadily in mountainous and forested areas
3️⃣ Behavior and Ecology
Horse Life
Horse groups are formed around females and calves
Males may act alone or in small groups
Feeding
Eat grasses, shrubs, leaves, fruits, and bark Herbivorous
They often forage in open areas or forest edges.
Personality
Gentle but cautious
Can become aggressive if their herd or calves are threatened.
Athletic Ability
Strong legs allow them to traverse forests and mountainous areas.
They walk by stepping through trees as needed.
What is their personality like?
Gaurs live in groups of about 20 to 40, so they have a strong sense of camaraderie and are social animals. They are basically diurnal, and in areas with a lot of contact with humans, they may become nocturnal and become active, so they are cautious. Considering their size, they are docile by nature and do not approach people. They may also act individually depending on their purpose.
1️⃣ Basic Personality
Characteristics Description
Gentle and Gentle: Usually calm and docile. Not aggressive, but becomes defensive when threatened.
Vigilant: Sensitive and wary of external enemies and humans. They often flee when approached.
Pack-minded: Because they live in groups, they are highly cooperative and support each other.
They also have a defensive side: Males may aggressively attack if the calves or females of their herd are threatened.
They move at their own pace when foraging in forests or grasslands, moving at a leisurely pace and making few unnecessary movements.
2️⃣ Behavioral Characteristics
Pack Behavior
Living in herds centered around females and calves.
Males sometimes leave the herd and act alone.
They are highly cooperative within the herd, and share the ability to sense danger.
Vigilance
Sensitive to the presence of humans and predators, they quietly distance themselves when approached.
They may use their horns to intimidate or attack if necessary.
Gentle but powerful
They usually focus on feeding, moving, and resting, and are not aggressive.
They are very large, and their strength allows for powerful defense and attack.
Intelligence
They are capable of intelligent and planned behavior, such as moving in groups and choosing foraging routes.
What is their ecology like?
Gaurs live by eating leaves. They reproduce viviparously. The gestation period is 270 days, mating occurs from December to the following January, and birth occurs around August. The lactation period is 180 days, and they reach sexual maturity at two years old. Their lifespan is about 30 years.
1️⃣ Basic Lifestyle
Activity: Mainly active during the twilight hours of early morning and evening.
Rest during the day in the shade or forest.
Home Range: Tropical and subtropical forests and grasslands at altitudes of 200-2,500m.
Primary Herd Structure:
Matrilineal groups centered around females and calves are the norm.
Males may be independent or may travel in small groups.
Primary Herd Size: Approximately 10-30 individuals.
2️⃣ Diet (Foraging Behavior):
Herbivores, primarily eating:
Grass, shrubs, leaves, fruits, and bark.
Forage in open areas and forest edges.
Meals are concentrated in the morning and evening.
Due to their water needs, they often live near rivers and water sources.
3️⃣ Behavior & Movement
Characterized by cooperative group behavior
Coordinates feeding, resting, and movement within the group
Protects from predators (such as tigers and leopards)
Highly alert and cautious
When approached by humans or large predators, they will quietly distance themselves and flee
Mobility
High walking ability in forested and mountainous areas
Capable of long-distance travel and foraging on slopes
4️⃣ Reproduction & Growth
Item Details
Estrus Period: Once or twice a year (depending on region and environment)
Gestation Period: Approximately 9 months (around 290 days)
Birth: One calf (rarely two calves)
Calf Behavior: Stands up immediately after birth and moves with its mother in the herd
Growth: Weight is reduced to about half by the first year of life, reaching adulthood by 2-3 years
Do they have any natural enemies?
Gaurs are very sturdy and have no significant natural enemies.
About Gaur Calves
This article provides a detailed summary of Gaur (Bos gaurus) calves. We will cover their characteristics, behavior, and biology from birth to adulthood.
1️⃣ Basic Information
Item Description: Name: Calf (Birth Weight: Approximately 20-25kg)
Growth Rate: Approximately half of their body weight within one year of birth, reaching adulthood within two to three years
Coat Color: Light brown to tan at birth, changing to dark brown to black as they grow
Position in the Herd: Protected by their mother in the center of the herd
2️⃣ Physical Characteristics
Body Type
Small, slender, and soft-looking
Less muscle mass compared to adults, but legs are already strong and capable of walking
Horns
Immediately after birth, they have only small, soft protrusions
As they grow, they become curved and hard, developing for defensive purposes
Face/Eyes
Large eyes, alert, and curious
Facial features similar to those of adults, but with a cute appearance
3️⃣ Behavior & Personality
Dependent on Mother
Belongs to mother immediately after birth
Drinks breast milk and learns from mother and herd
Ensures safety within the herd
Protected at the center of the matriarchal herd
Mother and herd defend against predators
Play & Social Learning
Plays with siblings and other youngsters through light shoving and chasing
Learns social rules and force control through play
Vigilance
Closely observes herd leadership and mother’s behavior
Flees when predators approach on mother’s orders
4️⃣ Diet & Growth Stages
Age Diet & Behavior 0-6 Months: Mainly breast milk, gradually begins to nibble on grass and leaves 6-12 Months: Forages with the herd, breast milk gradually decreases 1-2 Years: Completely transitions to a herbivore diet, and social behavior approaches that of an adult 2-3 Years: Physique and diet similar to that of an adult, role in the herd becomes clear
Is gaur otter (European otter) an endangered species?
The gaur is designated as an endangered species and is listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and international trade is strictly restricted. The population is rapidly decreasing due to habitat loss caused by deforestation and development, and poaching for its horns. It is now a protected animal in all regions and is strictly managed.
1️⃣ IUCN Assessment
Status: Vulnerable (Critically Endangered)
Assessing Body: IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)
Reasons:
Habitat loss (deforestation and agricultural development)
Poaching (hunting for meat and horns)
Population fragmentation (isolated populations making breeding difficult)
2️⃣ Population Estimate
The wild population in India and Southeast Asia is estimated to be between 15,000 and 21,000 individuals.
Depending on the habitat, populations are extremely low.
Due to declining numbers, conservation in protected areas and national parks is important.
3️⃣ Conservation Status
India:
Protected in national parks and protected areas
Poaching crackdowns and forest conservation efforts are ongoing
Southeast Asia (Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, etc.):
Habitats are protected in some national parks
Vulnerable to illegal hunting and habitat destruction
Sumatra (Malaysia and Indonesia):
The Sumatran endemic subspecies is particularly rare and in critical condition
Can you keep a gaur as a pet?
The gaur is designated as an endangered species, so it is quite difficult for ordinary people to keep it as a pet. You can see it at zoos and aquariums. There are also event information and exhibitions, so check out the shops. Visit the website to see the map.
1️⃣ Nature of Wildlife
Gaurs are one of the largest wild cattle species in the world (up to 2.2 m tall and weighing over 1,000 kg).
They have a gentle temperament, but are highly alert and defensive.
They live in groups, feeding, resting, and moving as a group, making them difficult to manage alone.
2️⃣ Practical Difficulty of Raising
Key Points
Contents
Size/Strength: Adults are very large and powerful, posing a risk of destroying enclosures.
Living Environment: They require large areas of forest or grassland; small areas can be stressful.
Diet: They require large amounts of food, including grasses, shrubs, fruits, and bark.
Pack Behavior: They are highly social, and keeping them alone can cause behavioral disorders and stress.
Regulations: They are an endangered species, and in many countries, keeping wild individuals is prohibited by law or requires a permit.
3️⃣ Legal and Regulatory Issues
International Protection: Protected under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)
India and Southeast Asian Countries: Capture and captivity of wild individuals is generally prohibited.
Zoos and Research Facilities: Captivity is permitted with special permission.
Specialized facilities provide large enclosures for individual herds.
They are maintained in environments that mimic the ecology of the wild.
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