Biology

These cattle live in small herds of up to 40 individuals, led by a mature bull (2). Usually active during the day, in areas of extensive human contact gaurs have developed more nocturnal habits (2). During the mating season the males' loud bellowing call may be heard over 1.6 kilometres away. Solitary males wander widely in search of potential mates but aggressive encounters are rare, with size tending to determinate dominance (2). Gestation lasts about 275 days with births take place mainly between December and June although they can occur all year round; a female usually gives birth to a single calf (2). Gaurs graze preferentially on green grasses although they will also consume fruit and leaves (2). These cattle have been domesticated and used for both food and work in India (2).