The largest species of wild cattle in the world and a true giant of the forest. Native to South and Southeast Asia, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, and Malaysia, this impressive animal roams tropical forests, hilly grasslands, and jungle-covered mountains. With its muscular build, high, arched back, and massive horns, the gaur is a powerful and majestic presence in the wild — yet it remains surprisingly quiet and gentle in nature.

Adult gaurs can stand up to 2.2 meters (over 7 feet) tall at the shoulder and weigh as much as 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds) or more, with males being significantly larger than females. They have dark brown to black coats, with lighter-colored stockings on their legs and a distinctive white or pale ridge running down their back. Males often have a thick, muscular neck hump and a broad forehead, making them even more formidable. Both males and females have strong, curved horns that rise and sweep backward, often with pale tips.

Despite their size, gaurs are shy and mostly peaceful, usually avoiding humans. They live in small herds, typically led by females, and feed on grasses, leaves, shoots, and fruits. They are mostly active in the early morning and late afternoon, resting during the hottest part of the day. When threatened by predators like tigers or leopards, gaurs can defend themselves with remarkable strength, and adult bulls are known to charge if cornered. However, they usually rely on their size and herd vigilance to stay safe.

Gaurs occasionally interbreed with domestic cattle, producing hybrids known as gayals or mithuns, which are important in local cultures and farming communities. Another interesting fact is that a gaur’s size rivals or exceeds that of a Cape buffalo or even a bison, making it the true heavyweight of the wild cattle world.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Bangladesh

2016

Possibly Extinct

Bhutan

2016

Cambodia

2016

China

2016

India

2016

Laos

2016

Malaysia

2016

Peninsular Malaysia

Myanmar

2016

Nepal

2016

Sri Lanka

Official estimate

EX

Extinct locally

Thailand

2016

Vietnam

2016