The Gaur (Bos gaurus) is a large bovine ungulate (hoofed) mammal. It is also known as the Indian Bison.  

The Gaur is a species of wild cattle with short, narrow, pointed, black-tipped horns and a prominent ridge on its back. It has large ears. It has short, glossy, dark-brown fur, which becomes almost black as it ages. Its head is often ashy-grey and its nose is whitish. It does not have a distinct dewlap (loose skin under its chin) like other bovines have. The female is lighter brown with thinner horns. 

It grows to 142-220 centimetres (56-87 inches) at shoulder height and 250-330 centimetres (98-130 inches) long. Its tail is 70-105 centimetres (28-41 inches) long. Its horns are 60-115 centimetres (24-45 inches) long. 

The Gaur is native to south Asia and southeast Asia, in countries such as India, Nepal, Bangladesh, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Malaysia. It prefers evergreen forests and hilly terrain, but not mountainous areas. 

It is diurnal, active during the day, although some are nocturnal, active at night. It is a browser, eating plants, seeds, flowers, and grass. 

It lives in small herds of 8-11 individuals. The male is called a bull, and the female is called a cow. The herds are led by a female. 

The female is pregnant for about 275 days, before giving birth to one young, called a calf. The calf becomes independent after 7-12 months. 

The average lifespan of the Gaur is about 30 years. 

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM