Photo traps in protected forest of Cambodia have revealed magificent wild Gaur still living in deep forest areas in Pursat, Battambang and Koh Kong, Cambodia. The pictures were presented on January 14 th by the Secretary of State and spokesman for the Ministry of Environment, Net Pheaktra. The Ministry of Environment’s Cambodia Sustainable Landscape and Ecotourism Sustainability Project were responsible for hiding 49 automatic cameras, 23 in the wildlife sanctuary in Pursat, 16 in Battambang and 10 in Koh Kong which filmes the existence if these giant bovines.
Wildlife preservation activist Chan Vanno said tracking and secret filming aims to collect information which will be used to educate people, especially the younger generation, about rare and endangered wildlife as well as the diversity of wildlife species in Cambodia’s protected areas.
He said that these rare species have been well protected due to the decrease in poaching in the area.
Environment Ministry spokesman Neth Pheaktra said yesterday that the project was funded by the World Bank to collect data on rare wildlife species which now is the best news before Cambodia celebrates Environment Day focusing on “biodiversity and human health”.
Wild Gaur Facts and Habits
The Wild Gaur, also known as the Indian Bison, is a large, wild cattle species that is native to Southeast Asia and India. With its distinctive hump on the shoulders and long, shaggy hair, the Wild Gaur is a majestic and formidable animal that is well adapted to its forested habitat.
- Physical Characteristics: Wild Gaurs are massive creatures, with males weighing up to 2,200 pounds and standing up to 6 feet tall at the shoulder. They have a distinctive hump of muscle and bone on their shoulders, which helps support their massive heads and powerful necks. Their coats are long and shaggy, ranging in color from dark brown to black. They also have a mane of hair that runs along their spine, which can stand up when they are threatened or excited.
- Distribution and Habitat: Wild Gaurs are found throughout Southeast Asia and India, in countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and India. They are adapted to forested habitats and are often found in areas with dense vegetation and steep terrain. They are also found in deciduous and evergreen forests, as well as in grasslands and savannas.
- Diet: Wild Gaurs are herbivores, and their diet consists mainly of grasses, leaves, and bark. They are known for their ability to forage for food in dense forests, and they are able to eat a wide variety of plants. They are also able to extract moisture from the vegetation they eat, which allows them to survive in areas where water is scarce.
- Behavior: Wild Gaurs are social animals, and they live in groups that can range in size from a few individuals to over a hundred. These groups are led by a dominant male, who helps protect the herd and ensure their safety. Wild Gaurs are also highly territorial, and they use vocalizations, displays of aggression, and physical fights to defend their territory from other males.
- Reproduction: Wild Gaurs have a breeding season that typically lasts from November to February, during which males will compete for access to females. Female Gaurs will give birth to a single calf after a gestation period of around 9 months. The calf will stay with its mother for up to two years, and will then join a juvenile herd before eventually forming its own herd as an adult.
- Threats and Conservation: Wild Gaurs are considered to be a vulnerable species, and their populations are declining due to habitat loss and hunting for their meat, hides, and horns. In addition, their forested habitats are being destroyed for agriculture, logging, and development, which is causing the Wild Gaur to lose its natural habitat. Conservation efforts are underway in many countries to protect the Wild Gaur and its habitat, including the creation of protected areas, conservation breeding programs, and anti-poaching patrols.
- Cultural Significance: Wild Gaurs have been revered and respected by many cultures throughout Southeast Asia and India for thousands of years. In Hinduism, the Wild Gaur is considered to be a symbol of strength and power, and it is often depicted in art and mythology. In some cultures, the Wild Gaur is also considered to be a source of food and medicine, and its horns and hides are used for a variety of purposes.
In Conclusion – Wild Gaur Still Livng in Cambodia
It is to the credit of The Cambodia Ministry of Environment aim to increase education on the biodiversity of Cambodia and conservation efforts that we know Gaur still exist in Cambodia protected areas. The Wild Gaur is a magnificent and powerful animal that is well adapted to its forested habitat.
The Wild Gaur’s role in the ecosystem, cultural significance, and its unique physical characteristics make it a valuable and important species that should be appreciated and respected by all. It is our responsibility to preserve the natural beauty and diversity of our world, and the Wild Gaur is a crucial part of that effort. By working together to protect the Wild Gaur and its habitat, we can ensure that this magnificent species remains a part of our world for generations to come.
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