Asian Water Buffalo
A young domestic water buffalo in the kind of habitat it is most comfortable in, knee deep water with plenty to eat. They are relatively small in size especially when compared to their ancestor, the Wild Water Buffalo that is sadly considered as an endangered animal with only about 3,400 individuals known to survive, of which 90% live in India. Millions of these animals exist and their milk is richer in fat and protein than that of dairy cattle. A large feral population became established in northern Australia in the late 19th century, and there are smaller feral herds in Papua New Guinea, Tunisia and northeastern Argentina. Two types of domesticated water buffaloes are recognized, the River Buffalo of the western Indian subcontinent; and the Swamp Buffalo. Results of a phylogenetic (evolutionary development) study indicate that the river-type water buffalo probably originated in western India and was domesticated about 6,300 years ago.
These are very docile and loyal animals known to even risk their life to save the life of their owner. I have even read of incidents where these buffalos charged at man-eating tigers to save their owners, even though physically they are no match for the predator.
Asian Water Buffalo
A young domestic water buffalo in the kind of habitat it is most comfortable in, knee deep water with plenty to eat. They are relatively small in size especially when compared to their ancestor, the Wild Water Buffalo that is sadly considered as an endangered animal with only about 3,400 individuals known to survive, of which 90% live in India. Millions of these animals exist and their milk is richer in fat and protein than that of dairy cattle. A large feral population became established in northern Australia in the late 19th century, and there are smaller feral herds in Papua New Guinea, Tunisia and northeastern Argentina. Two types of domesticated water buffaloes are recognized, the River Buffalo of the western Indian subcontinent; and the Swamp Buffalo. Results of a phylogenetic (evolutionary development) study indicate that the river-type water buffalo probably originated in western India and was domesticated about 6,300 years ago.
These are very docile and loyal animals known to even risk their life to save the life of their owner. I have even read of incidents where these buffalos charged at man-eating tigers to save their owners, even though physically they are no match for the predator.