Asian Water Buffalo
Scientific nameBubalus bubalis
Conservation status (IUCN)
Unlisted
The Asian Water Buffalo is native to the wetlands of South and Southeast Asia. This cattle species has been domesticated for their meat, milk, leather, and as ‘living tractors’ for thousands of years. Asian Water Buffalos have been introduced to countries all around the world, including Australia’s north end.
Sydney
Visitor Tips Dubbo
Visitor tips for Sydney
You can see Asian Water Buffalo in Rhino Reserve or down the escalator near the Book Nook.
Did you know?
40
Asian Water Buffalo can live up to 40 years in the wild.
Habitat:
Swamps, floodplains, grasslands and forests.
1200kg
Asian Water Buffalo can weigh anywhere from 450-1200kg.
Distribution:
Native to South and Southeast Asia, with introduced populations now in many countries, including Australia.
Diet:
herbivore - grasses, leaves and aquatic plants.
2.9m
Asian Water Buffalo can be from 2.4-2.9m in length.
Mating
Asian Water Buffalo's reach sexual maturity at 18 months.
Gestation:
310-330 days.
1-2
Asian Water Buffalos can give birth to 1-2 calves.
40
Asian Water Buffalo can live up to 40 years in the wild.
Habitat:
Swamps, floodplains, grasslands and forests.
1200kg
Asian Water Buffalo can weigh anywhere from 450-1200kg.
Distribution:
Native to South and Southeast Asia, with introduced populations now in many countries, including Australia.
Diet:
herbivore - grasses, leaves and aquatic plants.
2.9m
Asian Water Buffalo can be from 2.4-2.9m in length.
Mating
Asian Water Buffalo's reach sexual maturity at 18 months.
Gestation:
310-330 days.
1-2
Asian Water Buffalos can give birth to 1-2 calves.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Unlisted
Drying Wetlands
As a domesticated species, Asian Water Buffalo are not listed by IUCN for conservation. With around 200 million of these buffalo around the world, both wild and captive, these buffalo are not at risk of extinction.
Wild Water Buffalo (Bubalus arnee) are listed as Endangered, with populations surviving only in a few pockets within their historic range. Breeding with domestic water buffalo, disease, hunting and habitat loss are the key threats to these wild bovines. Wetland ecosystems globally are under intense threat from agriculture and climate change, impacting species like water buffalo that rely upon them.
Wild Water Buffalo (Bubalus arnee) are listed as Endangered, with populations surviving only in a few pockets within their historic range. Breeding with domestic water buffalo, disease, hunting and habitat loss are the key threats to these wild bovines. Wetland ecosystems globally are under intense threat from agriculture and climate change, impacting species like water buffalo that rely upon them.
Buffalo deep dive
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