Context
A wild gaur that had entered densely populated areas in Kerala’s Kannur district was recently rescued by the Forest Department and released into Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary.
About Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary
- The sanctuary forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, one of the major biodiversity regions of the Western Ghats.
- It is located in Kerala’s Wayanad district and constitutes a section of the larger Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Tholpetty represents the northern portion of the sanctuary complex, whereas Muthanga lies in the southern part.
- The area is rich in wildlife and supports species such as elephants, tigers, panthers, deer, bears, civet cats, snakes and wild dogs.
- More than 300 species of birds have been recorded in the sanctuary, making it an important bird habitat.
- Bird species commonly found here include the Malabar grey hornbill, crested serpent eagle, kingfishers, peafowl and woodpeckers.
- The vegetation mainly consists of tropical moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests.
- Plantations of teak, eucalyptus, silver oak and rosewood occupy a significant portion of the sanctuary landscape.
About Gaur
- Gaur is recognised as the largest existing species of wild cattle and is commonly known as the Indian bison.
- The species is scientifically classified as Bos gaurus under the Bovidae family.
- It is naturally distributed across several South and Southeast Asian countries, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.
- Gaurs are usually found in moist deciduous, evergreen and semi-evergreen forests associated with open grasslands.
- They prefer undisturbed hilly forests below an altitude of about 1,500–1,800 metres where water availability is adequate.
- The animal has a powerful body structure with a broad head, muscular neck and a distinct hump over the shoulders.
- Their body colour may range from reddish-brown to dark black, while the lower legs appear comparatively pale.
- Both males and females possess upward-curving horns with yellowish bases and black tips.
- The species is listed as “Vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature
