Fellow Feature: Coexisting With the Wild Cattle of India

Written by Dhanush Dev

It is a chilly winter morning and I am watching birds fly across beautiful sunrise, as I often do, near the well-known tea and chocolate factory. I'm in Ooty, India; a beautiful city located in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, and part of the Western Ghats. Ooty is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its rich biodiversity and unique mountain ecosystems. As I was walking along a small forest patch, there, on a steep slope, I spotted a magnificent male Gaur. Muscular, at nearly six feet tall, it moved alone with remarkable balance on its broad hooves, for an animal of its size. This was my very first close encounter with the impressive creature. Standing there, the view left me both fascinated and uneasy. While captivated by the animal’s strength and grace, I also worried about how close it was to the nearby human settlement.

I’m working in conservation with a focus on human and wildlife coexistence. My goal is to create models that ensure the welfare of both people and animals. I aim to build awareness, empower communities, and combine traditional knowledge with modern science. I spent a lot of time during my teenage visiting protected areas and villages near the forest where Gaur often roam. These experiences helped me see how closely human and wildlife lives are connected in rural India.

The name ''Gaur'' comes from the Sanskrit word called “Guara” which means whitish or yellowish. In Hindi, ''Gaur'' refers to someone who is fair-skinned. Their white lower legs, from knees to hooves, look like they are wearing socks, a feature children usually notice instantly. Their large size and dark coat might make them seem like buffaloes, but they are genetically closer to domestic cattle. Gaurs (Bos gaurus) are the largest wild cattle in the Bovidae family and are herbivores native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. The IUCN Red List classifies them as "Vulnerable." In 2016, their global population was estimated at about 21,000 mature individuals. In India, Gaurs live in tropical evergreen, moist and dry deciduous and scrub forests. As the largest of the wild cattle, their main predator is the Tiger, though Leopards and Wild dogs have been known to prey on their calves.

Gaurs mainly graze on fresh grasses and leaves. In extreme summer, when their primary food is hard to find, scientists and naturalists have seen them eating tree bark and sap, they may also migrate to areas with more food and water during these times. They are social animals, gathering in small groups of 5 to 12 individuals. They have strong social bonds and create protective circles around their calves when they rest at night. Even though they are naturally shy and prefer to avoid humans, Gaurs can be very dangerous if they feel threatened. Snorting at high pitch whistling, and charging are the behavior that has been observed when cornered or they feel threatened.

Interestingly, in areas with low tiger numbers and landscapes like tea estates, Gaur populations thrive. Tea plantations provide suitable habitats and plenty of grass, drawing them nearer to human settlements and cities in regions like Nilgiris. This overlap raises the risk of conflicts, which can include damage to crops and property, injuries, fatalities, and the spread of diseases like rinderpest to livestock. Other threats involve vehicle collisions at night, accidental falls into man-made wells, and, in rare cases, retaliatory killings.

Despite these challenges, local communities have shown resilience. They have adapted to coexist with Gaurs and promote awareness to ensure safety. Governments are also taking action through measures like tracking movement patterns, relocating problematic individuals, and managing habitats. However, ongoing problems such as habitat fragmentation, disappearing grasslands and forest habitats, and increasing Gaur populations make this a critical conservation issue.

My current work focuses on helping people and wildlife live together peacefully. I’m designing a project that connects local communities and conservation tools. This includes awareness programs, camera-trap monitoring, and documenting indigenous practices. The goal is to create shared solutions that benefit both sides. For instance, in areas like Coonoor and Kotagiri, several herds live within large tea plantations, grazing and resting alongside human activity. Long-time tea plantation workers report that they are not afraid of the Gaur and can work near them while keeping a respectful distance, as the animals typically ignore humans if they feel safe.

To survive in human-dominated landscapes, Gaur have changed their natural behaviors, becoming more active at night in conflict-prone areas and adjusting their diet to include cultivated crops and available plants. They have also grown accustomed to human presence, occasionally walking into towns and markets in search of food, showing impressive adaptability. Despite some negative encounters, there is a general tolerance among local communities. Experts note that a gentle approach along with education about respecting the Gaur’s space can effectively reduce conflict. Conservationists, local communities, and nature lovers are working together to raise awareness, not just to protect the Gaur but to ensure that both people and wildlife can thrive together. Each step toward understanding brings us closer to living in harmony.

With that understanding also comes hope. Hope for a future where both people and Gaurs can share the same landscape.