(Representational image courtesy Flickr)

In the heart of India’s lush forests roams a colossal yet often overlooked guardian — the gaur, or Indian bison. Towering over other herbivores, these gentle giants are more than just a sight to behold; they are indispensable architects of their habitats.

In India, you can find gaurs in the Western Ghats, the forests of Chhattisgarh and Telangana, and the hilly regions of South India.

Gaurs, scientifically known as Bos gaurus, are the world’s largest bovines, with males standing up to 1.8 meters at the shoulder. Listed as vulnerable under the IUCN Red List, their impressive size and grazing habits make them influential in shaping the forest landscape.