Wild Madhya Pradesh
Tiger
Gaur

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Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation Limited Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation Limited - Wild Madhya PradeshGaur / Indian Bison (Bos gaurus)
 
 

Gaur


Height:
Large bull up to 195 cm. at shoulder.
Average 180 cm., cows somewhat smaller.

Spread of horns:
Average 83 cm.; 100 cm., having been recorded.

Weight:
Old bulls may weigh 900 kg.

The huge gaur, largest of the wild cattle, is to be seen with ease at Bandhavgarh, as they come out into the meadows in the early morning and late afternoon, retreating back into the dense hill forest in the heat of the day.

The magnificent bulls are black with white 'stockings' on the legs - they have large dewlaps and a huge dorsal ride along the spine. Females are smaller without the dewlap, with the black replaced by dark brown. Young calves are light brown, without the 'stockings'.

Generally the gaur lives in mixed herds of an average 5-15 animals, whilst the old bulls tend to become solitary except during mating. Within the herds the rank order of the bulls seems to be determined chiefly by size.

Food
Grasses.

Breeding
Peak of rut December / January. 1 calf born.

Madhya Pradesh Tourism