Gaur (Bos gaurus): Facts, Size, Habitat & Where to See in India
Quick Answer
The gaur (Bos gaurus) is a mammal listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Massive dark-brown body, muscular shoulder ridge, white “stockings” on all four legs, curved horns in both sexes. Typical weight: males about 600–1,500 kg; females about 440–1,000 kg. IUCN Vulnerable; at most about 21,000 mature individuals worldwide (2016 estimate), most of them in India.. In Central India it lives in both Tadoba and Pench; the best time to see it is winter and summer, grazing in meadows and along forest roads.
- Scientific name
- Bos gaurus
- IUCN status
- Vulnerable
- Weight
- Males about 600–1,500 kg; females about 440–1,000 kg
- Local name
- Gawa (Marathi), Indian bison
Highlights
- Massive dark-brown body, muscular shoulder ridge, white “stockings” on all four legs, curved horns in both sexes.
- Grasses, leaves, shoots and other plant material, shifting with season and habitat.
- IUCN Vulnerable; at most about 21,000 mature individuals worldwide (2016 estimate), most of them in India.
- Best time to see: Winter and summer, grazing in meadows and along forest roads.
Gaur Quick Facts
Key figures for the gaur. Ranges vary between sources and regions; these are commonly cited values.
| Fact | Gaur |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Bos gaurus |
| Family | Mammal · Bovidae |
| Local names | Gawa (Marathi), Indian bison |
| Size | 1.65–2.2 m at the shoulder; males average about 1.88 m |
| Weight | Males about 600–1,500 kg; females about 440–1,000 kg |
| Breeding | Gestation of about nine months; usually a single calf. |
| Diet | Grasses, leaves, shoots and other plant material, shifting with season and habitat. |
| IUCN status | Vulnerable |
| Population | IUCN Vulnerable; at most about 21,000 mature individuals worldwide (2016 estimate), most of them in India. |
How to Identify a Gaur
Massive dark-brown body, muscular shoulder ridge, white “stockings” on all four legs, curved horns in both sexes.
Combine shape, markings, movement and habitat rather than relying on size impressions alone, especially in poor light.
Gaur Habitat
Forest–grassland mosaics with water and mineral access.
What Does the Gaur Eat?
Grasses, leaves, shoots and other plant material, shifting with season and habitat.
Diet shifts with season, age and what is locally available, linking the species to vegetation, prey, predators and scavengers.
Gaur Behaviour and Breeding
Usually social; herd composition changes, while mature bulls may also spend time alone.
Gestation of about nine months; usually a single calf.
Gaur in Tadoba
Gaur is a prominent large herbivore and an important part of the reserve’s prey community.
Occurrence does not guarantee a sighting. Habitat, season, activity pattern and route all affect your chances.
Gaur in Pench
Pench supports gaur within a notably abundant Central Indian ungulate assemblage.
Pench MP and Pench Maharashtra are administered separately but form one connected landscape.
Best Time to See the Gaur
Winter and summer, grazing in meadows and along forest roads.
Morning drives are generally the most active. Book permits early for March–June, when demand peaks.
Gaur Population and Conservation
IUCN Vulnerable; at most about 21,000 mature individuals worldwide (2016 estimate), most of them in India.
Disease transmission from livestock, disturbance and habitat fragmentation can affect populations.
Watching Responsibly
Keep the required distance, stay in the vehicle, and never feed, call, spotlight or pursue wildlife. Follow your guide at all times.
Do not share precise locations of dens, nests or cubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is a gaur?
1.65–2.2 m at the shoulder; males average about 1.88 m. Males about 600–1,500 kg; females about 440–1,000 kg.
Is the gaur endangered?
The IUCN lists it as Vulnerable. IUCN Vulnerable; at most about 21,000 mature individuals worldwide (2016 estimate), most of them in India.
What does the gaur eat?
Grasses, leaves, shoots and other plant material, shifting with season and habitat.
Where can I see the gaur in India?
In Central Indian tiger reserves including Tadoba-Andhari and Pench. Winter and summer, grazing in meadows and along forest roads.
What is the gaur called locally?
Gawa (Marathi), Indian bison
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Sources & References
Facts on wildlife and visitor access can change. These are the principal references for this page; always confirm current permits and rules with the responsible forest department.
Photo Credits
Photos without a credit below are by Wild Excursions. The rest come from Wikimedia Commons under the licences shown.
- Gaur bull with large curved horns in golden light — Upamanyu Das, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Gaur cow and calf crossing a road in Tadoba — Aashay25, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Red-earth safari track running through a tunnel of bamboo in Tadoba — Rohit Sharma, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Safari tracks winding through teak forest in Pench Tiger Reserve — Drashokk, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Wide view of the largest lake in Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve under a clear sky — Aashay25, CC BY-SA 4.0
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