The gaur (Bos gaurus), also known as the Indian bison, is a wild cattle species native to Asia and Southeast Asia, including Thailand.
They are the largest living cattle species and one of the largest land mammals, with males reaching heights of over 2 meters and lengths of more than 3 meters.
Gaurs have heavy bodies, large ears, and curving horns, and are typically blue-eyed with white “stockings” on their legs. Bulls are dark brown or blackish, while cows and young are reddish brown.
Gaurs live in small herds in mountain jungle forests.
Their distribution has declined by over 80% in the last 100 years, and their global population decreased by 90% in the second half of the 20th century.
In Thailand, they were once found throughout the country, but by the 1990s, fewer than 1,000 were estimated to remain.
They are endangered in Thailand and listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, with threats including hunting for food, horns, and medicinal products, habitat loss, and disease spread from domestic cattle.
However, anti-poaching and reforestation campaigns in Thailand have led to some increasing sub-populations, and gaurs in well-protected areas like Khao Sok National Park and Khao Yai National Park have been found to have stable populations.
These animals are known to be agressive, even ramming cars off the road in Khao Yai.
Do not get close to these animals in the wild!