THE BISON THAT HAS BOTH THE LOOKS OF BULL AND BAFFALLO : ये जानवर न सांड है और न भैंस

-jay singh rawat

The confusion between bison and buffalo often arises due to their similar appearance and classification in different regions. However, they are distinct species and not a mix between a buffalo and a bull. While bison, buffalo, and bulls may share some similarities in terms of their bovine appearance, they are separate species with their own unique characteristics and evolutionary histories. Bison have a distinct appearance with a large head, shaggy coat, a hump at the shoulders, and a beard-like tuft of hair. They are more closely related to other wild cattle species and have distinct behaviors and habitats that differ from true buffalo and domesticated cattle.

Bison are keystone species, meaning their presence significantly influences the ecosystem they inhabit. Their grazing behaviors can shape the landscape by controlling plant growth, promoting species diversity, and creating habitats for other animals. They help maintain grasslands by preventing the dominance of woody vegetation and fostering the growth of various plant species.

By altering the vegetation through grazing and trampling, bison create a mosaic of habitats that benefit a wide array of other species, from insects to birds to mammals. Their wallowing behavior also creates depressions in the ground that collect water, providing important watering holes for various organisms. Bison hold immense cultural significance for many indigenous peoples in North America and Asia, including the Plains Indians in North America and various tribes in South and Southeast Asia. These animals are integral to cultural practices, traditions, ceremonies, and the spiritual beliefs of these communities. Owing to their size, bison have few predators. Five exceptions are humans, grey wolves, cougars, grizzly bears, and coyotes. Wolves generally take down a bison while in a pack, but cases of a single wolf killing bison have been reported.

In North America, bison were once incredibly abundant, with estimates of tens of millions roaming the plains. They were vital to the survival and way of life of indigenous peoples and were also a primary resource for early European settlers in North America. Bison possess genetic diversity that’s crucial for the health of their species. Preserving different subspecies of bison ensures the maintenance of genetic variability, which can be important for their long-term survival in the face of diseases and environmental changes.

Bison are also important for eco-tourism and recreational purposes. People visit national parks and reserves to observe and appreciate these magnificent animals in their natural habitats, contributing to local economies and promoting conservation efforts. Preserving and protecting bison species and their habitats is crucial for maintaining the balance of ecosystems, preserving cultural heritage, and ensuring the survival of these iconic animals for future generations.

The Indian bison, also known as the gaur (Bos gaurus), is the largest extant bovine species native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.  Gaurs are massive animals, with males being substantially larger than females. Male gaurs can stand up to 6.6 to 7.2 feet (2 to 2.2 meters) tall at the shoulder and weigh between 1,500 to 2,200 kilograms (3,300 to 4,900 pounds). Females are smaller, weighing between 700 to 1,000 kilograms (1,500 to 2,200 pounds). They have a sturdy build with a hump on their back and a distinct ridge running along their back. Their coat is usually dark brown to black in color, and they have white “stockings” on their lower legs and white markings on their face, throat, and ears.Both male and female gaurs have horns, although those of males are more prominent. The horns are thick and curve upwards and slightly backward. They can grow up to 70-105 centimeters (28-41 inches) in length.

Gaurs typically inhabit evergreen, semi-evergreen, and moist deciduous forests, but they can also be found in dry deciduous forests and grasslands. They are most commonly seen in hilly areas with a mix of forest and grasslands. Gaurs are primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses, leaves, fruits, and bamboo. They are known for their solitary nature or sometimes forming small groups of up to 20 individuals, although larger herds have been observed. They are generally shy and elusive animals.

While the gaur is classified as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), it faces threats due to habitat loss, hunting, and competition with domestic livestock. As large herbivores, gaurs play a crucial role in shaping and maintaining the biodiversity of their habitats by influencing vegetation structure and distribution, as well as being prey for large predators.

The Indian bison or gaur is a magnificent and essential species within its ecosystem, but it faces various challenges in the wild due to human activities and habitat degradation. Efforts are ongoing to conserve and protect these majestic animals and their habitats.