About the Water Buffalo

Water buffalo are large bovine animals native to the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and parts of Europe. There are two types: the river buffalo and the swamp buffalo, both of which have been domesticated for thousands of years. These powerful animals are well-adapted to hot, humid climates and are often found wallowing in mud or water to cool off. Water buffalo have been critical to agriculture in many parts of Asia, used for plowing, transportation, and as a source of milk, meat, and leather. They have a distinctive appearance with their large, curved horns and often dark grey or black coloration. In the wild, water buffalo play important roles in their ecosystems, helping to maintain wetland habitats through their grazing and wallowing behaviors.