The gaur, which is known in Thailand, as krathing (fig.), is the world's largest wild bovine animal. They have an enormous thrust power and are said to be the heaviest and most powerful of all wild cattle.

They are overall dark chestnut brown, apart from the lower part of the legs and horns, and sometimes the top of the head, which are creamy-white.

Males are highly muscular, with a prominent dorsal ridge and a dewlap that extends between the front legs, making for a very brawny appearance. Gaurs graze on a variety of plants and grasses, but when grass and other herbaceous resources are limited they are also known to consume the bark of certain trees.