Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Bovidae
- Genus
- Bos
- Species
- Bos javanicus
Habitat
Bali cattle primarily inhabit tropical grasslands, forests, and agricultural areas in Indonesia and other parts of Southeast Asia. They prefer warm, humid climates with access to water sources and can adapt to various terrains including plains, hills, and river valleys. These environments provide ample grazing opportunities and shelter from extreme weather.
Diet
Bali cattle are herbivores that primarily graze on grasses, browse on leaves, shrubs, and agricultural byproducts like rice straw. They feed mainly during the day, spending several hours grazing to meet their nutritional needs, and require a diet high in fiber with access to fresh water. In managed settings, they may also consume supplemented feeds.
Behavior
Bali cattle are social animals that form herds led by a dominant bull, often exhibiting hierarchical structures within the group. They are diurnal, active during the day for grazing and social interactions, while resting at night, and can display territorial behavior particularly among males during mating season. These cattle are generally docile but may become aggressive if threatened.
Conservation Status
Bali cattle as a domesticated breed are not individually assessed by the IUCN, but they are derived from the banteng (Bos javanicus), which is classified as Near Threatened due to habitat loss, hunting, and hybridization. Major threats include disease, genetic dilution from crossbreeding, and competition with other livestock.