Gaur at Kabini

I am captivated by the gaur. Every time I go inside the jungles – my first question to the locals there, is about where do we sight the Gaur. Often mistakenly called Bison , the Indian Gaur is the largest Bovine of the world.

Standing at an impressive 6 feet, adult one – males specifically can weigh in excess of 1500 kgs. I have seen some giants who almost resemble an elephant in the distance. Such is the effect the Gaur creates on the mind. Very shy animals by nature, they are deadly when disturbed. I have not been charged by a Gaur so far though a few times came close to it. But even this longing was fulfilled this time at Bandipur. While we were travelling by the forest jeep path we came upon a herd which had quite a few number of calves in the group. There were two huge bulls which looked like brothers. Huge fellows.

The herd had moved to the right of our jeep and the track was only about 5 feet from the bulls. As we approached closer to the bulls, one fellow became jittery and charged ahead of us cutting in front of our jeep. Looking at his brother panicking the other bull snorted, lowered his head and came straight at us. We raised our accelerator and rushed forward, missing those massive horns by a few metres. The fellow came thundering behind us for quite a few metres and gave up the chase. It was like a scene from any of our films. The bull thundering behind us, for a few seconds seemed like a stallion in full gallop. I have no other words to describe the speed and agility of him and those moments. I have learned my lesson.

The picture in this post are of a female of another herd which I sighted on the banks of Kabini. As I got too close to her comfort zone this female took to its heels.