The question of whether “buffalo” exist in Mexico stems from a long-standing linguistic mix-up. The term “buffalo” is often used loosely in North America, causing confusion about the large bovids that once roamed the plains. Clarifying this involves understanding the biological differences between the species often called buffalo and examining the presence of both native and introduced populations in Mexican territory.
Clarifying the Terminology Bison Buffalo and Taxonomy
The animal native to North America frequently called a buffalo is actually the American Bison (Bison bison). True buffalo, such as the Water Buffalo of Asia and the Cape Buffalo of Africa, belong to separate genera, Bubalus and Syncerus, respectively. This linguistic error began when early European settlers mistakenly applied the familiar term “buffalo” to the massive, shaggy animals they encountered.
The biological distinctions between the American Bison and the Water Buffalo are visually pronounced, despite their shared membership in the family Bovidae. American Bison possess a large, distinctive shoulder hump, which anchors the muscles used to plow snow while foraging in winter. They also have a massive head and a thick, woolly coat and beard.
Conversely, the Asian Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) lacks the prominent shoulder hump and has a sleeker coat, suited for warmer, marshier climates. The horns of the Water Buffalo are long, curved, and can reach impressive lengths, distinguishing them from the shorter, sharper horns of the American Bison.
The American Bison in Mexico History and Conservation
The American Bison (Bison bison) is a native species of Mexico, as its historic range extended into the northern states. Historical records confirm that bison once roamed the grasslands of Sonora, Coahuila, Nuevo León, Durango, and Chihuahua. By the second half of the 19th century, the species was almost entirely eliminated from Mexico due to widespread hunting and habitat destruction, mirroring its near-extinction in the United States.
Conservation efforts have successfully restored the species to its native habitat as part of a binational recovery initiative. In 2009, genetically pure American Bison were reintroduced to the Janos Biosphere Reserve in Chihuahua, creating the country’s first conservation herd. This initial herd began with 23 specimens translocated from Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota. The Janos reserve was chosen because it was part of the historic range and the habitat was confirmed suitable by the persistence of a small, existing herd since the 1920s.
The success of the Janos project led to the establishment of a second conservation herd in 2020 at the El Carmen Nature Reserve in Coahuila. The reintroduction of these bison is a success story for endangered species recovery in Mexico. Restoring the bison’s ecological role is important for regenerating the vast native grasslands of northern Mexico.
Water Buffalo and Other Bovids in Mexico
While the American Bison is native, the true Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is an introduced species in Mexico, brought in solely for agricultural purposes. The Asian Water Buffalo first arrived in 1991 to serve as alternative livestock. This introduction was driven by the animal’s adaptability to tropical and subtropical humid regions, making it a viable option where traditional cattle farming faces challenges.
Water Buffalo are now present in over 29 of Mexico’s states, with the population exceeding 58,000 head. The highest concentration is found in the southeastern regions, including Campeche, Veracruz, and Tabasco, where the climate is conducive to their marsh-loving nature. Ranchers value them for their efficiency in meat and dairy production.
Buffalo meat is marketed as a healthier alternative to beef, containing about 40% less cholesterol and 55% fewer calories. The milk is also highly prized; its higher fat content means only five liters of buffalo milk are required to produce one kilogram of cheese, compared to ten liters needed from cow’s milk. Any water buffalo seen in Mexico are part of a managed livestock industry, distinct from the native American Bison in the north.