Gaurs in Valmiki Reserve

Recent reports peg the current population of the vulnerable Gaurs in Valmiki Reserve at 150 individuals. The success is said to be due to increase in grassland cover.

Valmiki Reserve

Valmiki National Park, Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Bihar, along the India-Nepal border. It is adjacent to the Chitwan National Park of Nepal. It is located on the bank of River Gandak. It was set up in early 1990s and is spread over 899 sq.km.

Gaurs

Gaurs are bovine species native to south and south-east Asia. It is the largest extant bovine species. They were previously found in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. They are heavily built wild cattle, weighing between 400 and 1,200kg. They live in herds led by a matriarch, an old female adult.

Conservation Status

The gaurs are classified as ‘vulnerable’ species by the IUCN. It is legally protected in all its range countries. It is included in Appendix I of CITES. The Valmiki Reserve had increased the grassland cover to 15% from 4% over the last 10 years. They had also established 22 water holes. The efforts have resulted in the Gaur population increasing to 150 individuals including calves.