Bos - Definition and Overview

Bos is the taxonomic genus containing wild and domestic oxen. Bos can be divided into four subgenera: bos, bibos, novibos, and poephagus, but the distinction is controversial. Bos is found worldwide but before domestication existed only in West Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.

Species

• Subgenus Bos
  • Bos taurus (Western cattle, including oxen and aurochs)
  • Bos aegyptiacus (ancient Egyptian cattle; extinct; name not recognized by ITIS)
• Subgenus Bibos
  • Bos frontalis (gaur, gayal or Indian bison)
  • Bos javanicus (banteng)
• Subgenus Novibos
  • Bos sauveli (kouprey or grey ox)
• Subgenus Poephagus
  • Bos grunniens (yak; also Bos mutus)

Bos is also a common surname in The Netherlands. It means forest in Dutch.