Water Buffalo

A Rare Breed of South-east Asian Origin

Water Buffalo, West Coast, South Island   (Trotter/McCulloch photo)

      The Water or Indian Buffalo originated in South-east Asia. A large animal, it can stand up to 180 centimetres at the shoulder and weigh 900 kilograms, with wide-spreading horns.

      Water Buffaloes have been domesticated for many centuries, principally as draught animals, although some groups have reverted to a feral state outside their country of origin – including Australia.

      Water Buffaloes have been imported into New Zealand from Wildlife Parks to establish breeding herds farmed for meat.

      (The term “Buffalo” is sometimes inaccurately used to refer to the American Bison, which is an entirely different species – see  » American Bison.)