The largest bulls in the world. Wild bull: its species, subspecies and interesting facts about them Bull with straight horns

Animals of medium and large sizes.

Characteristics of the genus real bulls

Large animals. The withers are neither high nor raised like a hump. The spinous processes of the first thoracic vertebrae are slightly elongated in comparison with others. The height at the rump is only slightly less than the height at the withers, and sometimes equal to the latter. On the underside of the neck and head, a suspension of long hair absent.

The skull is relatively narrow and elongated. The eye sockets protrude moderately to the sides. The greatest width of the skull is less than 60% of the basic length of the skull. The frontal surface, with the exception of the postorbital narrowing, has the shape of an elongated rectangle, its width in front of the bases of the horny rods is approximately equal to the width of the forehead in the orbital region. The postorbital width of the forehead (at the narrowest point between the horns and the orbits) is less than the greatest width of the skull in the zygomatic arches. The posterior margin of the forehead in the form of a well-developed ridge protrudes strongly posteriorly and is sharply delimited from the parietal surface of the skull. The latter does not take part at all in the formation of the roof of the cerebral box. The dorsal surface of the epigastric skull is pushed back, placed under acute angle to the plane of the forehead and under the blunt to the plane of the occiput, hanging over the latter. When looking at the skull from above, the posterior exits of the temporal cavities are not visible. The distance between them is greater than the distance between the outer edges of the occipital condyles. The horns extend from the posterior corners of the forehead along the edges of the inter-horny ridge (in a living, calmly standing animal at the very top of the head). The distance between the orbit and the base of the horny process is much greater than the diameter of the orbit. The cross section of the horny processes approaches round, but is always noticeably flattened at the bases in the dorsoventral direction. Longitudinal ribs (keels) on the surface of the horny rods, in contrast to a number of other genera of the subfamily, are absent.

The skeleton contains 13 thoracic vertebrae and 13 pairs of ribs.

Habitat and distribution of real bulls

The roots of the genus real bulls go back to the genus Urmiabos Bartscti., Known from the Lower Pliocene fauna of Maragha in Iranian Azerbaijan and possessing a set of features that make it possible to consider it an ancestral form not only for bulls, but for yaks (Poephagus Gray). Remains known to belong to the genus Bos appear only in the Upper Pliocene. At this time, the long-horned B. acutifrons Lyd. Lived in India, which still had a poorly developed inter-horny ridge. Remains of the same geological age, leaving no doubt about their belonging to the genus of bulls, are known from northern Africa.

The time of the initial appearance of tours on the territory of Europe is not known for certain, but, apparently, they penetrated here through Malaya and Central Asia also no later than the Upper Pliocene or Lower Pleistocene. N. Vassoevich among other finds from Lower Quaternary deposits Taman Peninsula mentions the cornea Bos. However, a description of this corneous process was not given, its location is currently not known and there is no certainty that it belonged to a bull, and not to a primitive bison found in the Taman fauna.

Remains of true bulls are known from the preglacial quarter of the lower Volga and from the Pliocene or Upper Pliocene deposits of the river. Psekupsa in the North Caucasus.

The range of the genus Bos was very extensive. At one time, the tours inhabited, except for North Africa, most Eurasia, including the British Isles and southern Sweden. To the north, the area of ​​distribution extended to 57-60 ° N. NS. In contrast to the primitive bison, primitive bulls never entered the territory of the New World. Apparently, there were none in Ireland either.

Classification of the genus real bulls

The taxonomy of the genus Bos is confusing. A significant number of forms are described, taken either as subspecies or as independent species. V.I. Gromova made a thorough revision of the genus, and reduced the whole variety of Quaternary forms of rounds to two species: the large glacial Bos trochoceros Meyer and its descendant, Late Pleistocene and Holocene, B. primigenius Boj. The latter existed on the territory of the middle and of Eastern Europe, and possibly also Central and Asia Minor already in historical times and finally died out in early XVII v. N.I.Burchak described from the Upper Pleistocene fauna of the Binagads on the Absheron Peninsula (wyrm) the new kind bull B. mastan-zadei Burtsch., craniologically close to the Pleistocene Indian species B. namadicus Falc. However, the specific independence of the form described by N.I.Burchak is questionable, since V.I. Gromova takes B. namadicus only for a subspecies of B. trochoceros.

Finds of the remains of diluvial tours (Bos trochoceros) on the territory of Europe are rare.

The question of dwarf forms of rounds remains controversial and unclear: B. longifrons Ow., B. minutus Malsb., B. brachyceros europaeus Adam. The size of the skull in these forms in some cases does not exceed those of the skulls of small races of livestock. However, belonging to the latter is excluded in some cases by the geological age of the finds, in others - morphological features dwarf tours. Some researchers mistaken small skulls for the skulls of females B. primigenius Boj. However, it should be borne in mind that some of the finds of dwarf tours are of the Pleistocene age. Consequently, even with the adoption of a strongly pronounced sexual dimorphism in aurochs in size, it is difficult to recognize these findings as the skulls of females with gigantic skulls of diluvial males.

Within Europe, the remains of dwarf tours were found in Armenia in the bottom sediments of Lake. Sevan and in the basin of the river. Ural. The question of the systematic position of dwarf tours is important in connection with the problem of the origin of some groups of domestic large cattle.

At present, the genus real bulls is represented only by the domestic form, the cattle B. taurus L., but already in historical times on the territory of the USSR it was found in a wild state primitive bull, or tour B. primigenius Bojanus.

Infraclass - placental

Subfamily - bulls

Nadrod - bulls and buffaloes

Rod - real bulls

Literature:

1. I.I. Sokolov "Fauna of the USSR, Ungulates" Publishing house of the Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 1959.

Hearing the phrase wild bull, many people imagine a powerful and beautiful bison, but this name includes a number of other species of these animals that deserve special attention... In fact, on almost all continents there are non-domesticated representatives of the bovid family, which, like their ancient ancestors, inhabit the steppes, forests and desert plains, even despite the spread of domesticated livestock by man and the seizure of new territories for its development.

Hearing the phrase wild bull, many people imagine a mighty and beautiful bison

For example, the Bialowieza bull bison and North American bison were on the verge of complete extinction for a long time, and only the creation protected areas allowed to keep them from extinction. At the same time, some species of bulls have already completely died out due to the loss of their natural habitats. This is an irreparable loss for the world's fauna. For example, a wild bull with huge horns known as a tour, which was widespread throughout Europe and Africa, was quickly displaced from natural environment habitat and finally died out by 1627. Currently, there are only images and reconstructions of the species of these animals.

The Bialowieza bull bison and North American bison were on the verge of complete extinction for a long time, and only the creation of protected areas made it possible to save them from extinction

Rare wild yaks

Some scientists speculate about where and when the first cow was domesticated, but there is still no definitive answer to these questions. Some believe that modern breeds used in agriculture, descended from yaks. There is evidence that the first cow was domesticated long before our era, when wild bulls flourished in vast territories of Eurasia and Africa.

Representatives of this species of animals fell into decay as humans spread. They are now extremely poorly studied, since they live mainly on the high plateau of Tibet, where anthropogenic factor it doesn't feel that way yet.

Real bulls of this species that live in wildlife, are really similar to domesticated cows, but they also have differences. They are much larger in size and reach 2 m at the withers and about 4 m in length, have large rounded horns, very thick coat. This subspecies of the wild bull has a bad temper, so these animals pose a serious danger to people. Despite the fact that hunting for these creatures is prohibited, their number is gradually decreasing, since they cannot survive in the territories developed by man.

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African and Indian wild bulls

Many large representatives of the bovid family that have survived to this day live in dense thickets in open spaces untouched by man. For example, the largest wild bull in India, the Gaur, is only due to the creation of reserves in recent times began to increase its population, which has already reached about 30 thousand individuals. The weight of the animal reaches about 700-1000 kg. This wild forest bull reaches about 1.7-2.2 m at the withers. Gaur has huge horns reaching 90 cm. They resemble a crescent in shape. This wild forest bull is large in size, although in most cases the bovids are usually more than modest in size.

Representatives of this variety are distinguished by a rather meek disposition, therefore they have long been domesticated. Another Indian bull known as Zebu is revered local residents like a sacred animal. Such a cow reaches about 600-800 kg. They have a characteristic chest crease and hump at the withers. In many regions of India, they are crossed with certain types of livestock to increase productivity and endurance.

Some real bulls that have survived to this day are more modest in size. This helped them to avoid complete extinction during the development of territories by humans. For example, a wild forest bull from India known as tamarau has the following characteristics:

• height at the withers - 106 cm;
• body length - 220 cm;
• weight from 180 to 300 kg;
• black color of the skin.

They are actively exterminated for the sake of high-quality hide. In captivity, this wild forest bull does not breed, therefore it is not possible to artificially increase their number. Only protective measures and a ban on shooting save this species from complete extinction.

Another dwarf wild forest bull lives exclusively in the dense thickets of the Philippines. They reach only 80 cm at the withers. The body length of such buffalo is about 160 cm. These animals have an elongated muzzle and almost even, laid back horns, so they look like antelope. This body structure is considered an adaptation to living in dense forest thickets. This dwarf forest bull is currently under threat of extinction due to human development of their natural habitat.

African buffaloes deserve special attention. These are real bulls weighing about 1200 kg. With a significant body weight, they are compact in size and rarely exceed 1.5-1.6 m. Real bulls of this breed are distinguished by a black coat and large rounded horns. These animals are distinguished by poorly developed vision. At the same time, they, like real bulls, are distinguished by a rather violent disposition. They can fight back even large predatory cats dominating in African savannas... Sensing danger, the animal immediately attacks, using not only its huge horns, but also its hooves. A meeting with an angry African buffalo can end in disaster for any predator. These buffaloes are usually gregarious. Only large males can move alone for a long time. Large herds provide additional protection.

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A real wild bull is now a rarity. Many species of these animals, which were found 200 years ago in the vastness of Eurasia and Africa, have already been completely exterminated or domesticated. A prime example there may be a tour from which the modern cow descended. However, thanks to the actions of conservation organizations, the corners of the wild nature still remain, which has helped to preserve some of these majestic animals. In addition, active work is currently underway to restore the lost varieties by breeding their domesticated descendants. This has already yielded certain positive results.

A real wild bull is now a rarity.

North American bison

This is the most famous species of wild animals of this species. Before appearing in North America European colonialists on the open prairies of the continent roamed more than 600 million wild bison. In a very short time, their number was reduced to 835 individuals. Thanks to nature conservation measures and the creation of protected areas, their number is gradually being restored. Their population has already reached about 30 thousand individuals. A healthy adult bison is very large in size.

The animal can reach approximately 2.5 m at the withers and exceed 3 m in length. There is a characteristic hump on the back. The head is elongated. It is very massive. The head, neck and part of the back are covered with a thick woolen mane. Bulls can weigh around 1500 kg. A healthy adult has practically no natural enemies. Wolves, which are found on the plains where these ungulates live, prefer to attack in a pack on young, sick or old individuals who have strayed from the herd. Such buffalo usually cannot offer violent resistance. The diet of these ungulates throughout the year can include;

• forbs;
• lichens;
• young branches and foliage;
• seaweed.

This subspecies of the wild bull swims well, therefore it can even overcome large rivers during migrations that animals carry out while searching for food. These creatures have very strong hooves, so they can dig themselves food even from under the deep snow.

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Majestic European bison

These are real bulls that trace their ancestry back to the time when mammoths roamed the snowy plains. American species of such animals and bison share common roots. And now there is a lot in common between these species. Currently, the number of these majestic creatures reaches only about 7 thousand heads. They live mainly in European reserves, including Belovezhskaya Pushcha. Here these large animals eat herbs and young shoots. The Bialowieza bull differs from its North American counterpart not only in name, but also in some anatomical features.

The body length of an animal can reach about 3 m and a height of about 2 m. A bull usually weighs about 1 ton, and a cow weighs up to 800 kg. These animals have a fairly well developed musculature. The head is relatively small. Bulls usually have large horns, rounded in the shape of a crescent. These creatures usually live in herds of up to 50 individuals. The dominant position in the strict hierarchy is occupied by a large male. Like many species of bulls that live in the wild, creatures are perfectly adapted to their natural environment. They can withstand even the most severe frosts, overcome obstacles up to 2 m and swim across large rivers.

Resurrection of the forest bull

Some of the large bovids are now completely extinct. For example, the last wild forest bull disappeared from its natural environment in 1967, although domesticated representatives of this species have quite successfully survived to this day. It is believed that the cause of the extinction of these animals was mass felling forests and the emergence of new diseases. The wild forest bull was unable to adapt to the changing ecosystem.

The species began to disappear almost everywhere, even in the protected areas created for its preservation.

They were real giant bulls. Their weight exceeded 1000 kg. The males were black with a characteristic white stripe along the ridge. The height of an adult animal was about 180 cm at the withers. The cow was somewhat smaller. She had a brownish-brown coat. This wild bull with huge horns made his way with ease even through dense forest thickets. The animals were kept in small herds of 50 individuals. They could eat a wide variety of vegetation.

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Currently, scientists from the Ostvarderspassse nature reserve, which is located in the Netherlands, have recreated a wild forest bull, called the Heck. These animals look very much like those ungulates that became extinct more than 4 centuries ago. The modern wild forest bull is just undergoing a period of adaptation. A whole herd of such animals has already been bred, but they are under close scrutiny of scientists. The modern wild forest bull is not yet fully accustomed to natural conditions, but work is underway on this. It is assumed that such animals will continue to live without human intervention.

Indian zebu

These bovids are found exclusively in tropical and subtropical latitudes. The Indian zebu bull has nothing to do with tours and forms its own separate subspecies. Some individuals were domesticated and are now used not only for obtaining high-quality milk and meat, but also as draft animals.

This wild bull of India is often interbred with domesticated buffaloes.

In some cases, wild individuals can take herds of females from pastures if people do not pay enough attention to grazing and do not control animals. Bulls of this breed are distinguished by great strength and bad character. Their weight reaches approximately 600-800 kg. This forest bull from India has a sleek short coat. The torso and legs are usually light gray, while the neck and head are dark. There is a distinct hump on the back.

• Order: Artiodactyla Owen, 1848 = Artiodactyls, pair-toed
• p / order: Ruminantia Scopoli, 1777 = Ruminants
• Family: Bovidae (Cavicornia) Gray, 1821 = Bovids
• Subfamily: Bovina = Bulls
• Genus:
• Species: Bos tnutus Przewalski, 1883 = Yak ; ; ; ; (4) ;

Genus: Bos Linnaeus, 1758 = True bulls

The sizes are medium to large. Body length 180-325 cm, height at the withers 130-210 cm, tail length 70-140 cm.Weight 325-1200 kg. Females are much smaller than males (for example, females reach a height at the withers of 145 cm). The body is long. The front part of the body is not particularly heavy. The back is at the withers with a slight hump. The limbs are relatively short and strong. The neck is short; there is usually a well-defined dewlap. The head is large. The eyes are relatively small. The ears are medium in size or large, oval. The tail is long with a brush of hair at the end. Both males and females have horns, but females have smaller ones. The horns are small or large (length from 15-68 cm in the ban tenga to 60-115 cm in the gaura), located on the sides of the skull, at the base they move to the sides, then bend up and slightly forward; the tops are directed upward and slightly backward and inward. The horns are round in diameter, their surface is smooth. The sheath cover is changeable: it can be low and sparse or high and dense. On the belly, chest, bottom of the sides and limbs, very long and Thick hair... The color of the hairline differs little in different pitchforks; from reddish brown to dark brown and black. There are no specific skin glands. 2 pairs of nipples.

The skull is large with a shortened brain region and an elongated facial one. The bones of the skull are highly pneumatized. The frontal bones are very large. Their posterior edge forms a ridge between the horns. There are no fossae for the preorbital glands on the lacrimal bones. The ethmoidal openings are absent or very small.

The diploid number of chromosomes in the banteng is 60, the gaura is 58, and the yak is 60.

Distribution covers Europe, North Africa, Anterior, Middle and South Asia including Tibet, Java, Bali, Sumatra and Kalimantan.

Dwell in different types forests and jungles, up to sparse, avoid swamps, rise to the mountains up to 2 thousand meters above sea level. They feed mainly herbaceous plants, to a lesser extent by the leaves and shoots of shrubs. They are active mainly in the early morning and evening. They keep in small herds, mainly of one male and 2-30 females. In yaks, females with juveniles sometimes gather in a herd of up to 2000 individuals together. There is no seasonality in breeding (banteng, gaur) or rut occurs in April-May (cuprey) or September-October (yak). The duration of pregnancy is approximately 270-280 days. There is one, rarely two cubs in the litter. Yak females breed every two years. Sexual maturity occurs at 2-3 years. Life expectancy is 20-25 years.

There are apparently 5 species in the genus:

banteng - V. javanicus D "Alton, 1823 (Burma, Indochina and Malakka, Java and Kalimantan);

gaur - V. gaurus H. Smith, 1827 (India, Nepal, Burma, Indochina and Malacca)

cuprey-B. sauveli Urbain, 1937 (Kampuchea);

tour - B. primigenius Bojanus, 1827 (lived in North Africa, almost all over Europe, to the north up to 6XU s. sh., in the Caucasus, in the Crimea, Asia Minor, on South Urals, Turkmenistan, Trans-Urals, south Western Siberia, in the region of Krasnoyarsk, Transbaikalia, China from 50 to 40 ° N. NS.; in Africa it was exterminated around 2400 BC, in Mesopotamia by 600 BC, in Central and Western Europe by 1400, in the Kamensk district of the Kuyaun-Dinskaya steppe he lived in the 16th or 17th centuries, and near Kuznetsk - in the 18th century);

yak - B. tnutus Przewalski, 1883 (Tibet, and in historical time, apparently, Altai and Sayan).

The taxonomy of the genus has not been finally established. So, Simpson (1945), Geptner et al. (1961) include tura and yak in the genus Bos, and gaura, banteng and kupreya in the genus Bibos Hodgson, 1837. I.I.Sokolov (1958) suggests the following system: the genus Bos with one species - tour, genus Poephagus Gray, 1843, with one species - yak; and genus Bibos with 3 species - gaur, banteng and cuprey.

Tur served as the ancestor of European cattle (B. primigenius taurus Linnaeus, 1758). The domestication of the aurochs probably occurred in Greece around 2000 BC. Almost all other members of the genus have also been domesticated. Domestic forms of banteng are known on the islands of Bali and Java - B. javanicus domesticus Cans, 1917, gaura - gayal, B. gaurus frontalis Lambert, 1804, yak - domestic yak, IV. mutus grunniens Linnaeus, 1766.

The "Red Book" includes: endangered cuprias (the number in 1970 was 30-70 yule compared to 500 in 1964) and yak; small species that may be in danger of extinction in the near future: banteng (very small in number by 1972; in most of the range it completely disappeared and it is believed that it was preserved in the wild only on the islands of Kalimantan and Java) and gaur (preserved only in remote locations and protected parks).

Bulls are cloven-hoofed animals, known and tamed by humans since ancient times. They live all over the world, they are found both in Nordic countries and on hot continents. Allocate several types of bulls: North American, European bison, forest, zebu (Indian), gaur, yak, anoa.

Otherwise called bison... The main habitat is America, more precisely - its northern part. Largest representative family of herbivores. The height of the animal reaches 2 meters, the length reaches 3 meters. The front has a greater mass than the back, there are more muscles on it, it is more pronounced. From head to part of the back, everything is covered with wool, in some places felted. The main color is brown, some species are with shades of white or gray.

Bison are divided into two subspecies: steppe and forest.

• steppe is smaller, big amount wool and the presence of bangs between the horns.
• forest belongs to the descendants of the primitive bison Bison priscus.

They live in the sunlit territory: meadows, pastures, plains. The weight of an adult bison reaches a ton, females have a slightly smaller mass.

Another subspecies of the wild bull is the bison. They are crossed with bison, resulting in bison. The hybrid is widespread in India and African countries. Used to work in the fields.