The Gaur, often called the Indian bison, is the largest wild cattle species in the world and one of the most powerful animals you can see in Chitwan National Park; it has a dark brown to black body with distinctive white “stocking” legs, a massive muscular build with a prominent shoulder hump, and strong curved horns in both males and females, while adult males can weigh over 1,000 kg and appear much bulkier than females, and in Chitwan they usually live in small herds or sometimes alone in dense sal forests and grasslands near water sources, being most active during early morning and late afternoon, and although they are generally shy and calm in nature, they are extremely strong and can become dangerous if disturbed, so during safari it is important to keep a safe distance and follow your guide’s instructions, and as a species they are classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss, human conflict, and diseases from domestic cattle, which makes spotting one in the wild a rare and special experience that adds great value to your jungle safari.
