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Presentation
The water buffalo is a massive domesticated bovid that has been tamed for over 5,000 years, originating from the Indian subcontinent. A robust and powerful animal, it is distinguished by its impressive horns and stocky build, perfectly adapted to wet and marshy environments.
The water buffalo has a thick, muscular body covered with a coat typically dark gray to black. Its long, curved horns can form an impressive crescent. The skin is thick and the temperament generally calm, though the animal is capable of ferocity if provoked.
Characteristics
Indicative values: they vary by subspecies, sex and region.
Habitat and distribution
The water buffalo occupies wetlands, river deltas, marshes, and rivers. It actively seeks water bodies where it can wallow and drink. In domestication, it adapts to various humid regions with warm temperate climates, particularly in alluvial valleys.
CURRENT RANGE
Originating from the Indian subcontinent, the water buffalo was introduced and spread throughout Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and several Mediterranean regions. In Africa, its presence extends from Egypt to the Great Lakes region. Today, it is a domesticated animal widely distributed across all continents.
Behaviour
A semi-aquatic animal, the water buffalo particularly favors flooded areas where it regularly wallows to cool down and protect itself from parasites. Social by nature, it lives in herds and remains generally docile in domestication. The buffalo can become aggressive if it perceives a threat to its herd or offspring.
Reproduction
The water buffalo reaches sexual maturity around 3 to 4 years of age. The rutting season typically occurs between July and December, with a gestation period of approximately 10 months. Females usually give birth to a single calf, rarely two. Nursing lasts several months.
Peculiarities
The water buffalo possesses a remarkable ability to thermoregulate by wallowing in water and mud, which sets it apart from other bovids. Its wide, thick feet, slightly webbed, make it exceptionally adept at walking through marshy terrain. This gentle yet formidable animal can lift considerable loads and is renowned for its strength.
Threats and conservation
As a widely domesticated animal, the water buffalo faces no significant conservation threats. Domestic populations are stable and well-managed in most regions.
Numbers and trends vary across sources and regions. See the IUCN assessment for the latest reference data.
Gallery
1 documented photographs.
References
Profile updated 08 August 2026 · Reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team.
CONSERVATION STATUS
Not evaluated (NE)
IUCN source, latest published assessment.
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