Wild Water Buffalo

The common name for a large mammal with the binomial name Bubalus arnee, that is closely related to the domestic buffalo, Bubalus bubalis, but it is generally larger, more agile, and more aggressive. It typically has a gray or brown-black coat, with dark white or gray legs resembling white socks, and a distinctive white V-shaped pattern on its underside. Both sexes possess large, triangular, curved horns with pointed tips. Adult wild buffaloes can reach heights of nearly 2 meters at the shoulders and weigh over 1,000 kilograms. They are primarily found in Southeast Asia, particularly in regions such as India, Nepal, and Vietnam, with a current population of approximately 3,400 individuals, most of which reside in India. In Thailand, the species was once widespread but is now primarily confined to the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in Uthai Thani and the Thale Noi (ทะเลน้อย) Wetlands in Pattalung. Wild buffalo are herbivores, feeding on leaves, grass, and bamboo shoots, and are active primarily in the early morning and evening. They form herds and exhibit social behaviours, such as protecting their young in defensive formations when threatened. The mating season occurs around October and November, with a gestation period of 10 months, resulting in the birth of one calf. Wild buffalo can live for 20–25 years and face predation from carnivores like tigers. In India, they share their habitat with the Indian Rhinoceros, often suffering from attacks despite being herbivorous. The wild buffalo is protected under the National Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act of 1992 in Thailand, where conservation efforts aim to preserve this endangered species. WATCH VIDEO and VIDEO (EN). 回