The animal commonly known as the buffalo stands out as a majestic and powerful figure among the world’s large grazing mammals. These bovids are instantly recognizable by their massive frames and distinct horns, inhabiting diverse landscapes across two continents. However, the exact number of buffalo species is often obscured by common names and geographical confusion, making a precise classification necessary.
Clarifying the Terminology: Buffalo Versus Bison
The term “buffalo” is frequently used in North America to refer to the American Bison, but scientifically, these are two entirely different animals. True buffalo belong to two genera, Syncerus and Bubalus, found exclusively in Africa and Asia. Bison belong to the genus Bison, making the common North American usage an enduring misnomer from early explorers. The two groups separated millions of years ago, and physical differences, such as the bison’s large shoulder hump and thick winter coat, further distinguish them.
Taxonomically, true buffalo are in the subtribe Bubalina, while bison are in the subtribe Bovina, alongside domestic cattle. African and Asian buffaloes are thus more closely related to each other than either is to the American Bison.
The True Buffalo Species Count and Classification
Focusing on the genera Syncerus and Bubalus, scientific consensus recognizes five extant species of true buffalo. The African Buffalo is represented by a single species, Syncerus caffer, found throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. This species is often divided into several subspecies, such as the large Cape Buffalo (S. c. caffer) and the smaller Forest Buffalo (S. c. nanus).
The remaining species belong to the Asian genus Bubalus, which is far more diverse. The most widely known is the Water Buffalo, existing as the Wild Water Buffalo (Bubalus arnee) and the domesticated form (Bubalus bubalis). The Wild Water Buffalo is significantly larger than its domestic counterpart and is considered endangered in its native range.
Three other, smaller species of buffalo are endemic to the islands of Southeast Asia. These small, forest-dwelling bovids are sometimes called “pygmy buffalo” due to their diminutive size.
Asian Pygmy Buffalo Species
- The Tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis), found only on the island of Mindoro in the Philippines.
- The Lowland Anoa (Bubalus depressicornis), native to Sulawesi, Indonesia.
- The Mountain Anoa (Bubalus quarlesi), also native to Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Distinguishing Features and Global Habitats
The two most prominent buffalo groups, the African and the Water Buffalo, display significant differences shaped by their environments. The African Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) is a highly water-dependent grazer of the savannas and forests of Africa. Its most striking feature is the large, fused horn base on the males, known as a “boss,” which forms a continuous bony shield across the forehead. This species has never been successfully domesticated due to its unpredictable and aggressive temperament.
Conversely, the Asian Water Buffalo (Bubalus arnee and B. bubalis) is adapted for life in marshlands, swamps, and river valleys across Asia. This species possesses long, sweeping, and crescent-shaped horns, lacking the fused boss of its African relative. The Water Buffalo’s hooves are wide and splayed, which prevents sinking into the soft, muddy substrate of their preferred wetland habitats.
The domesticated Water Buffalo (B. bubalis) has been a productive livestock animal for thousands of years, valued globally for its milk, meat, and strength for agricultural work. While the African Buffalo is confined to Sub-Saharan Africa, the Water Buffalo has established populations across South America, Europe, and Australia due to human intervention.