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Water Buffalo

What is water buffalo?

· Sarah Mitchell

Key facts

Scientific name Bubalus bubalis[1]
Also called Asian water buffalo, Asiatic water buffalo[1]
Origin Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia[1]
Types River buffalo, swamp buffalo[1]

The water buffalo is a large domesticated Asian bovine (*Bubalus bubalis*), also known as the Asian or Asiatic water buffalo. It is used as a draft animal and for pulling plows.

Context

The water buffalo is a domesticated Asian bovine (*Bubalus bubalis*), also called Asian or Asiatic water buffalo. It originates from the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. There are two types: river buffalo and swamp buffalo [1]. It is used as a draft animal and for pulling plows [1].

Documented claims

  • Water buffalo is a domesticated species. [1]
  • It is used as a draft animal and for pulling plows. [1]

Questions and answers

Is a water buffalo a cow or a buffalo?

It is a distinct species, *Bubalus bubalis*, related to cattle but not a cow or a true buffalo [1].

Why is it called a water buffalo?

It is called a water buffalo because it is often found near water and uses it for wallowing [1].

Are water buffalo friendly to humans?

Domesticated water buffalo are generally docile and can be friendly, but they are large animals and should be treated with respect [1].

Sources

  1. Water buffalo | Mammal, Domestication & Agriculture — britannica.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Things