Authorities in Dong Nai City are working with forest rangers to investigate the deaths of two gaur found inside the Dong Nai Nature and Culture Reserve.

The discovery was made on June 19 during a routine forest patrol conducted by rangers from the Cu Dinh Forest Protection Station, part of the reserve management system.

The two animals were found in compartment 123, located in Hieu Liem Ward.

The first carcass was discovered in Plot 25, Sub-compartment 2. Rangers identified the animal as an adult male gaur weighing approximately 1.2 tonnes.

The animal was found lying on its side with all four legs pointing upward. Its body remained intact but was already in an advanced stage of decomposition.

The second gaur was located in Plot 9, Sub-compartment 2, about 200 metres from the first carcass.

Initial examinations identified it as a female weighing roughly 800 kilograms. Like the first animal, the carcass was decomposing, and authorities observed no unusual external injuries.

According to preliminary information from forest protection officials, investigators have found no signs of external force, trapping activity or illegal hunting.

One notable factor is that the area experienced heavy rain, strong winds and intense thunderstorms around the time the animals are believed to have died.

As a result, authorities have not ruled out the possibility that the gaurs were struck by lightning.

The Dong Nai Nature and Culture Reserve has requested support from specialist agencies and veterinary experts to collect samples and conduct testing in order to determine the exact cause of death.

The gaur (Bos gaurus) is a rare and endangered wild species classified under Group IB in Vietnam, the country's highest level of wildlife protection. The species is also listed in both the Vietnam Red Data Book and international conservation lists and is subject to strict protection measures.

Hoang Anh