banteng, (species Bos banteng), a species of wild Southeast Asian cattle, family Bovidae (order Artiodactyla), found in hill forests. A shy animal resembling a domestic cow, the banteng attains a shoulder height of about 1.5–1.75 m (60–69 inches). It has a slight ridge on the back, a white rump, white “stockings” on the legs, and slender, curving horns. Bulls are dark brown or black, and cows and young are reddish brown. The banteng is kept as a domestic animal in some areas.