Bos javanicus

This wild ox, native to the SE Asia mainland and Indonesia, is rare today in its original range.  These “Bali Cattle” reached Australia from Bali between 1829 and 1845, and are now found in a completely wild feral state on the Cobourg Peninsula in the Northern Territory, the world’s only huntable population.  These animals, second only in size to the gaur of the Asian oxen, can weigh 500 kg in a bull and stand 52” at the shoulder.  The handsome animals are reddish brown, turning dark brownish black in old bulls, with contrasting white stockings and rump patch.  Horns can be fairly straight or curved, with record lengths approaching 2 feet for each horn.

Banteng may be solitary or run in herds, feed during the cooler parts of the day and night, and have retained excellent senses of hearing, smell and sight.

They constitute excellent game animals and trophies.

Photo caption: Bob Beggs