Despite often being used interchangeably, the terms “buffalo” and “bison” refer to distinct animals, each with unique characteristics and geographic distributions. While both are large bovids, they are not closely related and exhibit several noticeable differences. This common misconception often leads to confusion, particularly given the historical use of “buffalo” to describe the North American bison.
Understanding Bison
Bison are large bovines found in North America and Europe, representing two main species: the American bison and the European bison (also known as wisent). American bison, the largest land animal in North America, once roamed widely across grasslands, prairies, and river valleys from Alaska to Mexico, though their wild populations are now primarily in national parks and reserves. European bison inhabit temperate forests and clearings, predominantly in parts of Eastern Europe.
Both American and European bison possess a prominent shoulder hump, which is more pronounced in the American species. They are characterized by shaggy fur, particularly thick around their head, neck, and forequarters, which helps insulate them in colder climates. American bison often have a long beard and mane. Their horns are relatively short, sharp, and curve outward and upward.
Understanding Buffalo
The term “buffalo” typically refers to two main types: the African buffalo and the Asian water buffalo, neither of which are native to the Americas. African buffalo, also known as Cape buffalo, are found across sub-Saharan Africa in diverse habitats including savannas, floodplains, and forests, always in proximity to water. Asian water buffalo originate from the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, inhabiting wetlands and often being domesticated for agricultural purposes.
African buffalo are known for their formidable, fused horns that form a continuous bone shield, called a “boss,” across the top of the male’s head. Their coats are generally dark brown to black and less shaggy than bison, lacking the prominent shoulder hump. Asian water buffalo have large, often scimitar-shaped horns that curve backward, and their coats range from slate-gray to black with sparse hair.
Key Differences at a Glance
The most significant distinctions between bison and buffalo lie in their geographic distribution, physical characteristics, and horn shapes. Bison are exclusively found in North America and Europe, while true buffalo species are native to Africa and Asia.
A notable physical difference is the presence of a large shoulder hump on bison, which is absent in all buffalo species. This hump, particularly prominent on American bison, supports their massive heads and allows them to effectively plow snow for foraging. Bison also feature a thick, shaggy coat, especially on their front, and often have a distinct beard, whereas buffalo generally have smoother, less dense coats.
Their horns also present clear differences. Bison possess shorter, sharper horns that curve upwards. In contrast, African buffalo have heavy, helmet-like horns that fuse at the base and sweep downwards before curving up. Asian water buffalo are characterized by long, crescent-shaped horns that spread wide and curve backward.