The terms “bison” and “buffalo” are often used interchangeably, causing confusion about these large, horned animals. Both belong to the Bovidae family, but they are distinct species with different geographical origins and physical characteristics. This article clarifies these distinctions, detailing the American bison and the true buffaloes of Africa and Asia.
The American Bison
The American Bison (Bison bison) is the largest land mammal in North America, characterized by a prominent hump over its shoulders and a massive head. Its coat is thick and shaggy, especially on its forequarters, often featuring a distinct beard. Both males and females possess short, sharp, hollow horns that curve outwards and upwards. Males can stand up to 6.5 feet high at the hump and weigh as much as 2,400 pounds, while females are smaller.
Historically, American bison roamed grasslands and prairies from Alaska to Mexico. Today, their populations are more fragmented, primarily found in conservation herds across the western United States and Canada, including Yellowstone National Park. These herbivores primarily graze on grasses and sedges. They are social animals, forming herds, though males often live separately from females and young outside of the breeding season.
American bison are fast, reaching speeds up to 30 miles per hour. They exhibit distinctive behaviors such as wallowing in dirt and rubbing their horns on trees to help with insect control. Two recognized subspecies exist: the Plains Bison and the Wood Bison. Wood Bison are generally larger, with a hump positioned further forward on their body and a woollier coat compared to the Plains Bison.
The True Buffaloes
The “true” buffaloes include species from Africa and Asia, such as the African Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) and the Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). African buffalo, also known as Cape buffalo, are found across sub-Saharan Africa in diverse habitats, from dense forests to open savannas, always near water. They possess a stocky build with black or dark brown coats and distinctive heavy, ridged horns that fuse at the base, forming a helmet-like “boss” across the male’s head.
These animals are known for their unpredictable and aggressive temperament. African buffalo are grazers and are dependent on daily water access. In contrast, the Water Buffalo, originating from the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, is typically dark gray or black with a sparser coat. They have large, sweeping horns that curve backward and upward in a crescent shape, sometimes reaching over 6 feet in length.
Water buffalo are semi-aquatic, wallowing in mud or water for temperature regulation and insect deterrence. Domesticated for thousands of years, they are used in agriculture across Asia and beyond for labor, milk, and meat. Their widespread presence now includes parts of Europe, Australia, and the Americas due to human introduction.
Distinctive Features Compared
Distinguishing between bison and buffalo reveals several physical and geographical differences. A primary distinction lies in the shoulder hump: bison possess a large, muscular hump over their front shoulders, which buffalo lack. This hump gives bison a front-heavy appearance, contrasting with the more evenly proportioned build of buffalo. Bison also have larger heads, often with a shaggy mane and pronounced beard, while buffalo have smaller, more cow-like heads and are typically beardless.
Their horns also differ noticeably. Bison have shorter, sharper horns that curve upwards and outwards, usually around 2 feet in length. In contrast, African buffalo feature heavy, ridged horns that fuse at the base to form a solid “boss,” and water buffalo display crescent-shaped horns spanning up to 6 feet. Bison are equipped with thick, shaggy coats on their forequarters, providing insulation in colder North American and European climates. Buffalo, adapted to warmer African and Asian environments, have finer, thinner coats.
Geographical distribution is another key differentiator. Bison are found exclusively in North America and Europe, in grasslands and temperate regions. Conversely, true buffalo species are indigenous to Africa and Asia, thriving in warmer wetland or savanna habitats. The naming confusion, especially in North America, stems from early European settlers mistakenly calling the American bison “buffalo,” possibly from the French “boeuf,” due to superficial resemblances to buffaloes from other continents.