Ecology and Feeding Habitat of the Gaur (Bos gaurus, Smith, 1827) in Similipal Tiger Reserve, Odisha, India
Sandeep Ranjan Mishra* and Mohan M
ABSTRACT
The gaur Bos gaurus distribution ranges from India to south Asian countries. The red list of threatened species categorizes gaur as vulnerable species and today they are found in 11 range countries. The estimated population is to be 13,000 to 30,000 with approximately 85 per cent of population being Present in India. The distribution includes thorn forest to evergreen forests. Gaur is both grazer and browser. The food plants are from the families of Poaceae, Fabaceae, Asteraceae and Malvaceae which collectively formed the major food species. The Gaur in Similipal Tiger Reserve was observed to feed on diverse species of food plants comprising of 47 species of plants of Gaur were represented by 18 species of grasses, 6 species of herbs, 8 species of shrubs and 15 species of trees. The food plants from the families of Poaceae and fabaceae constituted nearly 50% forming the major food plants species in Similipal.
