Mumbai: Forest Department On Alert, Search Ongoing For Gaur

Mumbai, 22nd March 2023: In the Raigad district, close to the hill resort of Matheran, the forest department is searching for an adult male gaur (Indian bison). The animal was last sighted around three kilometres distant at Maldoonga Point late on 20th March. It was originally spotted on the morning of 19th March in the bushes close to the renowned tourist destination Louisa Point.

The gaur was reportedly spotted earlier in Dhodhani hamlet in Panvel, in the foothills of Matheran, when it was chased by a band of stray dogs and heckled by bystanders.

A stray gaur was spotted in Malang Gad, in the Dombivali forest range, in December of last year. It has been hypothesised that the same animal may have travelled to Matheran now and is unable to return through the hilly regions of Kalyan-Satara, which have become more and more dispersed as a result of road construction projects.

It may be the same animal, according to Umesh Jangam, range forest officer in Matheran, but it’s difficult to say with any certainty. Although many locals claim that this is the first time a gaur has been sighted in Matheran, staff members assert that herds have frequently been seen in this area of woodland. He urged that people refrain from chasing, following, or otherwise provoking the animal.

Those who live in the foothills have been cautioned not to bother the gaur if they see it. Although it is a silent animal, if it charges at someone, it may cause catastrophic injuries. Those who live in the foothills have been cautioned not to bother the gaur if they see it. Although it is a silent animal, if it charges at someone, it may cause catastrophic injuries.