The terms “bison” and “buffalo” are often used interchangeably, leading to widespread confusion about these large, horned mammals. While both are members of the Bovidae family, they represent distinct groups of animals with unique characteristics and geographical distributions. This article aims to clarify the differences between bison and buffalo.
Bison Characteristics and Habitat
Bison are characterized by their massive forequarters, featuring a distinctive shoulder hump and a large, shaggy head. Their thick, woolly coats provide insulation. Adult males can weigh over 2,000 pounds and stand six feet tall at the shoulder.
Two main species exist: the American bison (Bison bison) and the European bison (Bison bonasus). American bison are found primarily in North America. European bison, also known as wisent, inhabit forested areas across parts of Europe, including Poland and Belarus. Bison are primarily grazers, feeding on grasses and sedges.
Buffalo Characteristics and Habitat
Buffalo species lack the prominent shoulder hump seen in bison, having a more uniform body. Their heads are smaller, and their coats are smoother and less shaggy. Buffalo are known for their large, often curved horns, which vary in shape between species.
The term “buffalo” refers to two main types: the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) and the Asian water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). African buffalo inhabit savannas and woodlands across sub-Saharan Africa, often near water sources. Water buffalo are native to Asia, thriving in wetlands and marshy areas. These animals are primarily grazers, with water buffalo often submerging themselves to feed on aquatic vegetation.
Core Differences
The most notable distinction is the prominent shoulder hump on bison, absent in buffalo species. This hump, composed of muscle and supported by long vertebrae, allows bison to clear snow with their heads. Buffalo have a more even, sloping back. Bison also possess a large, shaggy head and a thick beard, while buffalo have smaller, smoother heads without such facial hair.
Horns also differ. Bison have short, sharp, upward-curving horns, which are less imposing than those of buffalo. African buffalo are recognized by their large, crescent-shaped horns that often fuse at the base to form a “boss” across their forehead. Water buffalo horns sweep back in a wide arc. Their coats also differ; bison have a thick, shaggy coat, especially on their forequarters, while buffalo have thinner, smoother coats.
Geographical distribution is another key difference. Bison are indigenous to North America and Europe, whereas buffalo species are native to Africa and Asia. This geographical separation means these animals do not naturally overlap in their wild habitats. Their behavior reflects their environments; bison are adapted to temperate grasslands and cold winters, while buffalo are suited for warmer climates and often rely on water for cooling.
Why the Names Are Confused
The common interchangeable use of “bison” and “buffalo” largely stems from early European explorers in North America. When these explorers encountered the American bison, they mistakenly referred to them as “buffalo” due to a perceived, albeit superficial, resemblance to the water buffalo and African buffalo they knew from other parts of the world. This misnomer became deeply entrenched in popular language and culture.
Despite the scientific distinction between the genera Bison and Bubalus (water buffalo) or Syncerus (African buffalo), the historical term “buffalo” persisted in North America. This linguistic legacy continues to contribute to the confusion, even though bison are more closely related to domestic cattle than to true buffalo species. Scientifically, they are entirely distinct animals belonging to different genuses within the Bovidae family.