The Titans: Hefty, Dark, and Handsome Gaur

They are the titans of the bovid clan. Gaur (Bos gaurus), often mistakenly called the Indian bison, are the largest and heaviest wild cattle in the world, found in South Asia and Southeast Asia. They are like solid blocks of ebony, standing on relatively delicate-looking white-stockinged legs. Bulls can be well over six feet tall at the shoulder and weigh 1.5 tonnes; cows are lighter at 1 tonne. Strangely, in Sanskrit, their name (mriga) means a kind of water buffalo, while in Hindi, it means “fair-skinned” or “white”, which the gaur is decidedly not. Nor do these heavyweights have the in-your-face belligerence of, say, the African wild buffalo or even the Indian wild buffalo. But they exude a quiet calmness that can be quite deceptive because they are known for attacking unprovoked — especially when with their calves. Again, ironically, gaur, which have had fewer contacts with us, are in fact, shyer and will retreat deep into the jungle when encountered. Those who have frequently met humans are more likely to attack — perhaps sensing the danger we pose.

They are in danger. They are listed as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List and are on Schedule 1 of India’s Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972. Their population has been estimated varyingly as around 21,000 (in 2016) and between 16,000 and 35,000 by the IUCN.

One of the main physical attributes of these immensely strong animals is the prominent convex ridge on their forehead between their horns and another running from their shoulders to the middle of their back. Adult males are usually a very dark brown, nearing black as they age; females and youngsters are lighter, beautifully offset by the white or off-white “stockings” they wear on their relatively slim legs. Their shoulders are often 12 cm higher than their rump, giving them the nightclub bouncer look, and they have a distinct dewlap on their throat and chest. Their horns, like scythes, curve away upwards and inwards (facing each other) from the sides of their heads, ending in sharp black tips. In battle against each other (very rare, their size is intimidating enough), or while defending themselves, gaur sideswipe their opponents. Few predators dare take them on — especially healthy males — and while tigers will occasionally hunt them, it’s generally the young, weak, or injured animals that they dare attack. Gaur do not wallow, swim, or bathe, though they must drink daily. When under attack, a herd will form a solid muscled wall around the group’s more vulnerable and young members, causing any over-ambitious tiger to slink away.

 

During the winter months of January and February, gaur live in small herds of around a dozen animals led by an old matriarch, with perhaps a single bull in their midst. More bulls may join the herd during the breeding season (which may start in April-May), with some bulls moving from herd to herd to access more females. After this, by June, the bulls may separate from the ladies and form small bachelor herds or live alone, though these groups may swell to as many as 50 animals. They usually have a “non-exclusive” home range (extending to 78 sq km) where they roam and forage. Calves are generally born after a gestation period of around 275 days and weaned between seven months and a year. In captivity, gaur have lived for 30 years. A cloned gaur calf (called Noah) was born in a US zoo in Iowa in 2001, among the first endangered animals to be cloned. (Alas, it died soon after of dysentery.)

These deceptively calm-looking titans live on a wide selection of grasses, leaves, shrubs, stems, and flowers, usually preferring the tender top parts of the plant. They may debark trees when food is short, and they need their minimum dose of minerals and salts. It is essential that we preserve the habitats that harbour the foliage they depend on for nutrition to ensure the health of the herds, who in turn look after and maintain these ecosystems by their browsing. Gaur prefer to browse during the early morning or early evening, sheltering in the shade during the hottest part of the day. (Those dark coats would absorb a lot of heat!) They prefer evergreen, semi-evergreen and moist-deciduous forests up to altitudes of 1,800 metres. In India, the hilly tracts of the Western Ghats, running from Maharashtra to Tamil Nadu (and especially the Mudumalai-Nagarahole- Bandipur forests), are a favourite locale. In areas disturbed by us, they’ve become nocturnal and, not to mention, very short-tempered. Flies, especially in summer, are another major irritant that do not help their temperament!

Due to human intrusion into their habitats (usually accompanied by herds of cattle), some herds of gaur now mix with (and occasionally battle with) grazing cattle let loose in the jungle. However, locals usually accuse gaur of becoming very bold and aggressive and coming out into their fields to graze alongside their cattle! Either way, they are at risk of contracting diseases such as rinderpest and foot-in-mouth from domestic livestock. In 1968, a rinderpest outbreak in Mudumalai, Tamil Nadu, killed at least 40 of these magnificent animals, spread to them by livestock. In India, rampant habitat destruction in the name of “development” is another cause for worry. In several Southeast Asian countries, like Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam, poaching (for meat and trophies) poses a major danger. Here in India, the gaur is the “state animal” of Bihar and Goa. They are the mascot of the 54th Infantry Division of the Indian Army, known as the “Bison Division”. The popular energy drink, Red Bull (owners of which also have a Formula 1 racing team), is based on the Thai drink, “Gratin Daang”, which means red bull. Gaur may well see red when they spot us, but according to one source — none less than the Brittanica — they are “typically blue-eyed”. Other sources claim they have brown eyes, which seems more likely. But the next time you encounter one, look deep into its eyes and check them out for yourself!

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