Density, Group Size and Sex Ratios of Gaur (<I>Bos gaurus</I> H. Smith) in a Sub-tropical Semi-evergreen forest of North-East India

Abstract

The study on status and distribution of gaur was carried out in Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary (TWS), Tripura between 2002 and 2004. The density of gaur was found to be 1.5 groups per km² and 5.9 individuals per km². The group size of gaur ranged between 2 and 14 and the observed overall sex ratio (Bulls : Cow) was 58 : 100. Gaur density in TWS remained without any significant change and thus showed that the population is not facing any immediate threat, if not removed directly by poaching, hunting or epidemics. Group size and sex ratio of gaur observed in TWS is comparable with any of the population so far reported from India and thus can be seen as a potential population for the long term conservation.