Water Buffalo

A water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is a large bovine native to Southeast Asia and is also widely domesticated around the world. There are two main types: the river buffalo and the swamp buffalo.

Water buffalo are massive animals with a stocky build and large, curved horns that can reach up to 6 feet in length. Their skin is typically a dark gray to black color, and they have sparse hair. Domesticated buffalo have a more varied coat color, including black, white, and pied.

As their name suggests, water buffalo are highly adapted to aquatic environments. They spend a significant amount of their time submerged in muddy water to stay cool and protect their skin from insects and the sun. They are grazers, feeding primarily on grasses and other aquatic plants.

Wild water buffalo are an endangered species found in a few isolated areas of Asia. They are larger and more aggressive than their domesticated counterparts. Domesticated water buffalo are widely used in agriculture throughout Asia for plowing rice paddies and pulling carts. They are also valued for their milk, which is a key ingredient in many products like mozzarella cheese.