Water buffalo are present in America, but not as wild herds roaming the plains like native North American species. Instead, they exist primarily as domesticated animals, playing a specialized role in agriculture.
Water Buffalo Presence and Purpose
Water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) are domesticated bovids native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, with a history of domestication spanning 5,000 to 7,000 years. Introduced to the Americas, they are now found in various parts of the world, including the United States, where their presence is largely due to their unique agricultural benefits.
Two main types of domestic water buffalo are recognized: the River buffalo and the Swamp buffalo. River buffalo, originating from the Indian subcontinent, are primarily valued for their milk, which is particularly rich in fat and protein. This milk is highly sought after for specialty dairy products, most notably for producing authentic mozzarella di bufala cheese.
Swamp buffalo, originating in Southeast Asia, are generally used for draft work and meat production. While both types exist in the U.S., River buffalo are more common in dairy operations due to the high quality of their milk. Water buffalo meat is also gaining popularity, noted for being lean and low in cholesterol. Some American farms raise water buffalo for their milk, meat, and sometimes for their docile nature.
Water Buffalo vs. American Bison
Despite often being colloquially referred to as “buffalo,” the American bison (Bison bison) is a distinct species from the water buffalo. American bison are native to North America, historically inhabiting grasslands and prairies. They are the largest land mammals in North America, characterized by a large shoulder hump, a massive head, and a thick, shaggy coat, especially around their forequarters. Their horns are typically short and sharp, curving upwards.
In contrast, water buffalo prefer wet, tropical, or subtropical habitats, often wallowing in water or mud. Physically, water buffalo lack the prominent shoulder hump seen in bison. They possess long, curved horns that sweep backward, and their coats are generally thinner than those of bison. While both belong to the Bovidae family, water buffalo are classified under the genus Bubalus, and American bison under the genus Bison.