Indian bison needs attention: Researcher

Even as the Bengal tiger and Asian elephant hog all the limelight when it comes to endangered species, the Indian bison —gaur, the largest population of which is found in India, is one of the least researched animal. However, Dr Farshid Ahrestani, a post-doctoral research scientist, will soon be publishing the first research paper on a comprehensive study done on gaur, one of the largest species of wild cattle. 

The research paper titled ‘Life History and Traits of gaur: First Analysis’ is one of the first such study to throw light on the species, its eating pattern, habitat and effect of its body mass on these factors. 

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the gaur in its red list of threatened species. In Maharashtra, gaur is found in Western Ghats, Satpura ranges and Vidarbha. The Melghat Tiger Reserve and Tadoba-Andhari Tiger reserve have gaur population of just over 1,000. 

“There have been very few studies done on large herbivores such as the gaur. The largest population of gaur is found in India, but its number is declining due to various reasons. A comprehensive study on them will help understand the species, and with knowledge we can intervene and protect them from extinction,” said Ahrestani.  

The research was conducted at Bandipur National Park, Karnataka and Mudumalai National Park, Tamilnadu for over two years. “Only around 12,000 to 22,000 gaurs are there in the wild in India, and their numbers are steadily decreasing. While the male gaur weighs up to 1,000 kg, their life span is short with the average age being not over 20 years,” said the research scientist.

The key reason for their declining population, according to Ahrestani, is shrinking habitat and bovine diseases such as Rinderpest and Foot-and-Mouth which have wiped out over 80% of the population in the past. 

“We want to present the new research to our members and scientists in an effort to share the facts gathered by Ahrestani. This will encourage more studies done on such species,” said Atul Sathe, spokesperson, Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS).

BNHS will host a lecture by the researcher on Thursday.