Native to parts of South and Southeast Asia, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of Southeast Asia, this massive animal is the ancestor of the domestic water buffalo, which millions of people around the world rely on for farming and transport. While its domesticated relatives are common, the wild version is now rare and endangered, found mostly in protected reserves and remote wetlands. It thrives in swampy grasslands, floodplains, and river valleys, where water and lush vegetation are plentiful.

One of its most striking features is its enormous, crescent-shaped horns, which can span over 2 meters (6.5 feet) across in some males — among the longest of any wild cattle species. Their bodies are large and muscular, covered in sparse, grayish or dark brown hair. They often wallow in muddy water to cool down and protect their skin from insects and the harsh sun.

These buffalo are herbivores, feeding mainly on grasses, aquatic plants, and sedges. They usually graze during the cooler parts of the day and rest in or near water during the hottest hours. Wild water buffalo live in small herds, typically made up of females and their young, while adult males are often solitary or form bachelor groups. During the breeding season, dominant males may join female groups and compete with rivals through displays of strength and horn-clashing.

Wild water buffalo are excellent swimmers and love to spend time in water. They use it not only for cooling off but also as a refuge from predators like tigers. Another interesting trait is that they are incredibly strong and, when threatened, can become extremely aggressive — making them a tough match even for top predators. Their sense of smell and hearing is highly developed, helping them detect danger from far away, especially in tall grass.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Bangladesh

Official estimate

EX

Extinct locally

Bhutan

2016

Cambodia

2016

India

2016

Indonesia

Official estimate

EX

Extinct locally

Laos

Official estimate

EX

Extinct locally

Malaysia

Official estimate

EX

Extinct locally

Myanmar

2016

Nepal

2016

Sri Lanka

Official estimate

EX

Extinct locally

Thailand

2016

Vietnam

Official estimate

EX

Extinct locally