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| tribus = [[Bovini]]
| tribus = [[Bovini]]
| genus = ''[[Bubalus]]''
| genus = ''[[Bubalus]]''
| species = '''''B. bubalis arnee''''' ('''''B. arnee''''')
| species = Bubalus arnee
| binomial = ''Bubalus bubalis arnee'' (''B. arnee'')
| binomial = '''''Bubalus arnee'''''
| binomial_authority = ([[Carl Linnaeus|Linnaeus]], 1758)
| binomial_authority = [[Robert Kerr (writer)|Kerr]], 1792
}}
}}
The '''wild water buffalo''' (''Bubalus arnee'') also called '''Asian Buffalo''' and '''Asiatic Buffalo''' is a large [[bovinae|bovine]] native to [[Southeast Asia]]. The species is listed as [[endangered species|endangered]] on the [[IUCN Red List]] since 1986 as the remaining population totals less than 4,000, with an estimate of fewer than 2,500 mature individuals.<ref name=iucn>{{IUCN |assessors=Asian Wild Cattle Specialist Group |year=2008 |id=3129 |taxon=Bubalus arnee |version=2010.4}}</ref>
The '''wild water buffalo''' (''Bubalus arnee'') also called '''Asian buffalo''' and '''Asiatic buffalo''' is a large [[bovinae|bovine]] native to [[Southeast Asia]]. The species is listed as [[endangered species|endangered]] on the [[IUCN Red List]] since 1986 as the remaining population totals less than 4,000, with an estimate of fewer than 2,500 mature individuals.<ref name=iucn>{{IUCN |assessors=Hedges, S., Sagar Baral, H., Timmins, R.J., Duckworth, J.W. |year=2008 |id=3129 |taxon=Bubalus arnee |version=2010.4}}</ref>


The wild water buffalo is the ancestor of the domestic [[Water Buffalo|water buffalo]], and the second largest wild bovid, smaller only than the [[Gaur]].
The wild water buffalo is the ancestor of the domestic [[Water Buffalo|water buffalo]], and the second largest wild bovid, smaller only than the [[Gaur]].

⚫
The river buffalo ''Bubalus bubalis bubalis'' and [[carabao]] or swamp buffalo ''Bubalus bubalis carabanensis'') are both derived from the wild water buffalo, and are the product of thousands of years of [[selective breeding]] carried out either in [[South Asia]] or [[Southeast Asia]].<ref>Yang, D. Y., Li Liu, Chen, X., Speller, C. F. (2008) [http://www.sfu.ca/~donyang/adnaweb/Yang%20et%20al.%202008.pdf ''Wild or domesticated: DNA analysis of ancient water buffalo remains from north China'']. Journal of Archaeological Science 35 (2008) 2778–2785</ref>


The slightly smaller [[African Buffalo|African buffalo]] or Cape buffalo (''Syncerus caffer'') is not closely related with the water buffalo.
The slightly smaller [[African Buffalo|African buffalo]] or Cape buffalo (''Syncerus caffer'') is not closely related with the water buffalo.
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== Characteristics ==
== Characteristics ==
[[File:NSRW Buffalo.png|thumb|Horn differences between [[Cape buffalo]] (above) and water buffalo (below)]]
[[File:NSRW Buffalo.png|thumb|Horn differences between [[Cape buffalo]] (above) and water buffalo (below)]]
Wild water buffalo are bigger than domestic buffalo and weigh up to {{convert|1200|kg|lb|abbr=on}}. Their head-to-body-length is {{convert|240|to|300|cm|in|abbr=on}} with a {{convert|60|to|100|cm|in|abbr=on}} long tail and a shoulder height of {{convert|150|to|190|cm|in|abbr=on}}. Both sexes carry horns that are heavy at the base and widely spreading up to {{convert|2|m|in|abbr=on}} along the outer edges exceeding in size the horns of any other living bovid. Their skin color is ash gray to black. The moderately long, coarse and sparse hair is directed forward from the haunches to the long and narrow head. There is a tuft on the forehead, and the ears are comparatively small. The tip of the tail is bushy, the hooves are large and splayed.<ref name="Nowak99">Nowak, R. M. (1999) [http://books.google.com/books?id=7W-DGRILSBoC&lpg=PP1&dq=Walker's%20Mammals%20of%20the%20World&pg=PA1147#v=onepage&q&f=false ''Walker's Mammals of the World''. Volume 1.] The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, USA and London, UK</ref>
Adult water buffalo range in size from {{Convert|400|to|900|kg|lb|abbr=on|sigfig=2}} for the domestic [[Water Buffalo|water buffalo]].<ref name="Britannica"/> In the wild, water buffalo can weigh up to {{Convert|1200|kg|lb|abbr=on|sigfig=2}}, while females are about two-thirds this size. They can stand as tall as {{Convert|2|m|abbr=on|sigfig=2}}, and stretch up to {{Convert|3|m|abbr=on|sigfig=2}} in body length. The largest recorded horns are just under {{Convert|2|m}} long.<ref name="Britannica">{{Cite web |url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/636991/water-buffalo |title=Water buffalo |publisher=[[Encyclopaedia Britannica]]}}</ref>


However, the wild buffalo subspecies found in the [[Assam]] state of north-eastern India, where they inhabit monsoon forests along the foothills of the Himalaya, are notably larger. Here, the average weight of a male adult buffalo is {{Convert|900|kg|abbr=on|sigfig=2}}, a bit larger than the female. The average height at the shoulder for a male is about {{Convert|1.7|m|abbr=on}}, and may reach even {{Convert|2|m|abbr=on}}.
The wild water buffalo found in the [[Assam]] average a weight of {{convert|900|kg|lb|abbr=on}} for bulls, who are a bit larger than cows. The average height at the shoulder for a male is about {{convert|1.7|m|in|abbr=on}}, and may reach even {{convert|2|m|in|abbr=on}}.


== Distribution and habitat ==
== Distribution and habitat ==
[[File:Assam 042 yfb edit.jpg|thumb|Landscape in Kaziranga National Park with a herd of water buffaloes in the background]]
[[File:Assam 042 yfb edit.jpg|thumb|Landscape in Kaziranga National Park with a herd of water buffaloes in the background]]
Wild water buffalos occur in [[India]], [[Nepal]], [[Bhutan]], [[Myanmar]] and [[Thailand]]. They are extinct in [[Pakistan]], [[Bangladesh]], [[Laos]] and [[Vietnam]]. In [[Myanmar]], a few wild-living animals independent of human husbandry live in the [[Hukaung Valley Tiger Reserve]].<ref name=iucn/>
Wild water buffalos occur in [[India]], [[Nepal]], [[Bhutan]], [[Myanmar]] and [[Thailand]]. They are extinct in [[Pakistan]], [[Bangladesh]], [[Laos]] and [[Vietnam]]. In [[Myanmar]], a few wild-living animals independent of human husbandry live in the [[Hukaung Valley Tiger Reserve]].<ref name=iucn/>

They are associated with wet grasslands, swamps and densely vegetated river valleys.<ref name="Nowak99"/>


In Thailand, wild buffaloes have been reported to occur in small herds of less than 40 individuals. A population of 25–60 individuals inhabited lowland areas of the [[Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary]] between December 1999 to April 2001. This population has not grown significantly in 15 years, and may be interbreeding with domestic water buffalo.<ref>Chaiyarat, R., Lauhachinda, V., Kutintara, U., Bhumpakphan, N., Prayurasiddhi, T. (2004) [http://www.thaiscience.info/journals/Article/Population%20of%20wild%20water%20buffalo%20%28bubalus%20bubalis%29%20in%20huai%20kha%20khaeng%20wildlife%20sanctuary,%20thailand.pdf ''Population of Wild Water Buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis) in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand'']. Natural History Bulletin Siam Society 52 (2): 151–162</ref>
In Thailand, wild buffaloes have been reported to occur in small herds of less than 40 individuals. A population of 25–60 individuals inhabited lowland areas of the [[Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary]] between December 1999 to April 2001. This population has not grown significantly in 15 years, and may be interbreeding with domestic water buffalo.<ref>Chaiyarat, R., Lauhachinda, V., Kutintara, U., Bhumpakphan, N., Prayurasiddhi, T. (2004) [http://www.thaiscience.info/journals/Article/Population%20of%20wild%20water%20buffalo%20%28bubalus%20bubalis%29%20in%20huai%20kha%20khaeng%20wildlife%20sanctuary,%20thailand.pdf ''Population of Wild Water Buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis) in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand'']. Natural History Bulletin Siam Society 52 (2): 151–162</ref>
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They inhabit the forests of [[Kaziranga National Park|Kaziranga]] and [[Manas National Park|Manas]] national parks.
They inhabit the forests of [[Kaziranga National Park|Kaziranga]] and [[Manas National Park|Manas]] national parks.


[[Feral]] water buffalo occur in northern [[Australia]]. Populations found elsewhere in Asia are feral breeds, not true wild water buffalo. They were introduced to [[Argentina]] and [[Bolivia]].
Populations found elsewhere in Asia are [[feral]] breeds. They were introduced to northern [[Australia]], [[Argentina]] and [[Bolivia]].<ref name="Nowak99"/>


==Ecology and behavior==
==Ecology and behavior==
Wild water buffalos are both [[diurnal]] and [[nocturnal]]. They form maternal groups of loosely structured herds, typically containing 10–20, but up to 100 individuals, year round. Adult males form bachelor herds of up to 10 individuals, with older males often solitary. They exhibit a [[Polygynous family|polygynous]] mating system, with females typically giving birth to single offspring, although twins are possible. They are seasonal breeders in most of their range, typically in October and November. However, some populations breed year round. Their [[Gestation period|gestation]] lasts 10 to 11 months, with an interbirth interval of one year. Age at sexual maturity is 18 months for males, and three years for females. The maximum known lifespan is 25 years in the wild.<ref>Nowak, R. M. (1999) [http://books.google.com/books?id=7W-DGRILSBoC&lpg=PP1&dq=Walker's%20Mammals%20of%20the%20World&pg=PA1147#v=onepage&q&f=false ''Walker's Mammals of the World''. Volume 1.] The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, USA and London, UK</ref>
Wild water buffalos are both [[diurnal]] and [[nocturnal]]. They exhibit a [[Polygynous family|polygynous]] mating system, with females typically giving birth to single offspring, although twins are possible. Adult females and their young form stable clans of as many as 30 individuals that have home ranges of {{convert|170|to|1000|ha|sqmi|abbr=on}} including areas for resting, grazing, wallowing and drinking. Clans are led by old cows, even when bulls accompany the group. Several clans form a herd of 30 to 500 animals that gather at resting areas. Adult males form bachelor groups of up to 10 individuals, with older males often solitary, and spend the dry season apart from the female clans. They are seasonal breeders in most of their range, typically in October and November. However, some populations breed year round. Their [[Gestation period|gestation]] lasts 10 to 11 months, with an interbirth interval of one year. Age at sexual maturity is 18 months for males, and three years for females. The maximum known lifespan is 25 years in the wild.<ref name="Nowak99"/>
They are probably [[grazer]]s by preference, feeding mainly on [[Poaceae|true grasses]] when available, such as [[Cynodon dactylon|Scutch grass]] and [[Cyperus|sedges]]. But they also eat herbs, fruits, and bark as well as [[browsing]] trees and shrubs.<ref>Daniel, J. C., Grubh, B. R. (1966) ''The Indian wild buffalo Bubalus bubalis (Linn), in peninsular India: a preliminary survey''. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 63: 32–53</ref> They also feed on crops, including [[Rice paddy|rice]], [[sugar cane]], and [[jute]], sometimes causing considerable damage.<ref>Lēkhakun, B., Mcneely, J. A. (1988) ''Mammals of Thailand''. 2nd edition. Saha Karn Bhaet, Bangkok, Thailand</ref>
They are probably [[grazer]]s by preference, feeding mainly on [[Poaceae|true grasses]] when available, such as [[Cynodon dactylon|Scutch grass]] and [[Cyperus|sedges]]. But they also eat herbs, fruits, and bark as well as [[browsing]] trees and shrubs.<ref>Daniel, J. C., Grubh, B. R. (1966) ''The Indian wild buffalo Bubalus bubalis (Linn), in peninsular India: a preliminary survey''. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 63: 32–53</ref> They also feed on crops, including [[Rice paddy|rice]], [[sugar cane]], and [[jute]], sometimes causing considerable damage.<ref>Lēkhakun, B., Mcneely, J. A. (1988) ''Mammals of Thailand''. 2nd edition. Saha Karn Bhaet, Bangkok, Thailand</ref>
Line 53: Line 53:
==Threats==
==Threats==
A population reduction by at least 50% over the last three generations seems likely given the severity of the threats, especially [[Hybrid (biology)|hybridization]]; this population trend is projected to continue into the future. The most important threats are:<ref name=iucn/>
A population reduction by at least 50% over the last three generations seems likely given the severity of the threats, especially [[Hybrid (biology)|hybridization]]; this population trend is projected to continue into the future. The most important threats are:<ref name=iucn/>
* [[interbreeding]] with feral and domestic buffalo in and around protected areas
* [[interbreeding]] with feral and domestic buffalo in and around protected areas;
* hunting, especially in Thailand, Cambodia, and Myanmar;
* hunting;
* habitat loss of [[floodplain]] areas due to conversion to agriculture and [[hydropower]] development;
* habitat loss and degradation;
* degradation of [[wetlands]] due to [[invasive species]] such as [[Mikania|stem twiners and lianas]];
*diseases and parasites transmitted by domestic livestock;
* diseases and parasites transmitted by domestic livestock;
*interspecific competition for food and water between wild buffalo and domestic stock.
* [[interspecific competition]] for food and water between wild buffalo and domestic stock.


[[Tiger]]s prey on adult wild water buffalo, and [[Asian black bear]]s have also been known to kill them.<ref>Humphrey, S. R., Bain, J. R. (1990) ''Endangered animals of Thailand''. Issue 6 of Flora & Fauna handbook. Sandhill Crane Press. ISBN 1877743054</ref> The smaller and less aggressive domestic water buffalo can be taken by the [[saltwater crocodile]] (''Crocodylus porosus''), which rarely, if ever, encounters the wild buffalo species.
[[Tiger]]s prey on adult wild water buffalo, and [[Asian black bear]]s have also been known to kill them.<ref>Humphrey, S. R., Bain, J. R. (1990) ''Endangered animals of Thailand''. Issue 6 of Flora & Fauna handbook. Sandhill Crane Press. ISBN 1877743054</ref> The smaller and less aggressive domestic water buffalo can be taken by the [[saltwater crocodile]] (''Crocodylus porosus''), which rarely, if ever, encounters the wild buffalo species.

== Conservation ==
''Bubalus arnee'' is included in [[CITES Appendix III]], and is legally protected in Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Thailand.<ref name=iucn/>


==Taxonomy==
==Taxonomy==
[[File:WaterBuffaloLopburiThailand2300BCE.jpg|thumb|Water buffalo sculpture, [[Lopburi]], Thailand, 2300 BCE.]]
[[File:WaterBuffaloLopburiThailand2300BCE.jpg|thumb|Water buffalo sculpture, [[Lopburi]], Thailand, 2300 BCE.]]
In 2003, the [[International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature]] has fixed the first available
The [[Binomial nomenclature|binomial]] ''Bubalus bubalis'' was initially applied to the domestic water buffalo, but some authorities do not consider this valid for the wild population and use the specific name ''Bubalus arnee'' instead.<ref name=iucn/>
[[specific name]] based on a wild population that the name for this wild species is valid by virtue of its being antedated by a name based on a domestic form. The [[Binomial nomenclature|binomial]] ''Bubalus bubalis'' was initially applied to the domestic water buffalo by [[Carl Linnaeus]] in 1758. Robert Kerr applied the binomial ''Bubalus arnee'' to the wild species in 1792. Most authors have adopted this first available name based on the wild species as valid for the [[taxon]].<ref>Gentry, A. Clutton-Brock, J., Groves, C. P. (2004) [http://arts.anu.edu.au/grovco/J%20Arch%20Sci.pdf ''The naming of wild animal species and their domestic derivatives'']. Journal of Archaeological Science 31: 645–651</ref>

⚫
The river buffalo ''Bubalus bubalis bubalis'' and [[carabao]] or swamp buffalo ''Bubalus bubalis carabanensis'' are both derived from the wild water buffalo, and are the product of thousands of years of [[selective breeding]] carried out either in [[South Asia]] or [[Southeast Asia]].<ref>Yang, D. Y., Li Liu, Chen, X., Speller, C. F. (2008) [http://www.sfu.ca/~donyang/adnaweb/Yang%20et%20al.%202008.pdf ''Wild or domesticated: DNA analysis of ancient water buffalo remains from north China'']. Journal of Archaeological Science 35 (2008) 2778–2785</ref>


==Modern uses==
==Modern uses==
[[Wildlife]] and [[Wildlife conservation|conservation]] [[scientists]] have started to recommend and use introduced populations of [[feral]] domestic water buffalo in far away lands to manage uncontrolled vegetation growth in and around natural [[wetland]]s. Introduced water buffalo at home in such environs provide cheap service by regularly grazing the uncontrolled vegetation and opening up clogged water bodies for [[waterfowl]], wetland birds and other wildlife<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/mid_/3483395.stm Buffalo improve wildlife habitat - The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales use the formidable beasts to help in conservation work at the 264-acre Teifi Marshes reserve; BBC, 15 February, 2004]
[[Wildlife]] and [[Wildlife conservation|conservation]] [[scientists]] have started to recommend and use introduced populations of [[feral]] domestic water buffalo in far away lands to manage uncontrolled vegetation growth in and around natural [[wetland]]s. Introduced water buffalo at home in such environs provide cheap service by regularly grazing the uncontrolled vegetation and opening up clogged water bodies for [[waterfowl]], wetland birds and other wildlife.<ref>BBC News February 2004 [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/mid_/3483395.stm ''Buffalo improve wildlife habitat'']</ref>
</ref><ref>[http://www.ramsar.org/forum/forum_buffalos.htm "Buffaloes and wetlands" – grazing in wetland management: A discussion from the Ramsar Forum over late March 1998]</ref>.


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Water Buffalo|Water buffalo]] ''Bubalus bubalis''
* [[List of domestic Asian water buffalo breeds]]
* [[List of domestic Asian water buffalo breeds]]


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*[http://www.animalinfo.org/species/artiperi/bubaarne.htm Animal Info: ''Wild water buffalo'']
*[http://www.animalinfo.org/species/artiperi/bubaarne.htm Animal Info: ''Wild water buffalo'']
*[http://wildlifetrustofindia.org/news-archives/2006/02/15/wild-buffalo-faces-extinction Wildlife Trust of India February 2006: ''Wild buffalo faces extinction'']
*[http://wildlifetrustofindia.org/news-archives/2006/02/15/wild-buffalo-faces-extinction Wildlife Trust of India February 2006: ''Wild buffalo faces extinction'']
*[http://www.hindu.com/2006/02/26/stories/2006022601090900.htm The Hindu February 2006: ''Project to conserve wild Asian buffalo'']
*[http://www.hindu.com/2006/02/26/stories/2006022601090900.htm The Hindu February 2006: ''Project to conserve wild Asian buffalo'']
*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/mid_/3483395.stm BBC News February 2004: ''Buffalo improve wildlife habitat'']


[[Category:Bovines]]
[[Category:Bovines]]

Revision as of 12:40, 25 March 2011

This article is about the wild species. For the domestic livestock varieties descended from it, see water buffalo.

Wild water buffalo
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Chordata
Class:
Mammalia
Order:
Artiodactyla
Family:
Bovidae
Subfamily:
Bovinae
Tribe:
Bovini
Genus:
Bubalus
Species:
Bubalus arnee
Binomial name
Bubalus arnee
Kerr, 1792

The wild water buffalo (Bubalus arnee) also called Asian buffalo and Asiatic buffalo is a large bovine native to Southeast Asia. The species is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List since 1986 as the remaining population totals less than 4,000, with an estimate of fewer than 2,500 mature individuals.[1]

The wild water buffalo is the ancestor of the domestic water buffalo, and the second largest wild bovid, smaller only than the Gaur.

The slightly smaller African buffalo or Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer) is not closely related with the water buffalo.

Characteristics

Horn differences between Cape buffalo (above) and water buffalo (below)

Wild water buffalo are bigger than domestic buffalo and weigh up to 1,200 kg (2,600 lb). Their head-to-body-length is 240 to 300 cm (94 to 118 in) with a 60 to 100 cm (24 to 39 in) long tail and a shoulder height of 150 to 190 cm (59 to 75 in). Both sexes carry horns that are heavy at the base and widely spreading up to 2 m (79 in) along the outer edges exceeding in size the horns of any other living bovid. Their skin color is ash gray to black. The moderately long, coarse and sparse hair is directed forward from the haunches to the long and narrow head. There is a tuft on the forehead, and the ears are comparatively small. The tip of the tail is bushy, the hooves are large and splayed.[2]

The wild water buffalo found in the Assam average a weight of 900 kg (2,000 lb) for bulls, who are a bit larger than cows. The average height at the shoulder for a male is about 1.7 m (67 in), and may reach even 2 m (79 in).

Distribution and habitat

Landscape in Kaziranga National Park with a herd of water buffaloes in the background

Wild water buffalos occur in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and Thailand. They are extinct in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Laos and Vietnam. In Myanmar, a few wild-living animals independent of human husbandry live in the Hukaung Valley Tiger Reserve.[1]

They are associated with wet grasslands, swamps and densely vegetated river valleys.[2]

In Thailand, wild buffaloes have been reported to occur in small herds of less than 40 individuals. A population of 25–60 individuals inhabited lowland areas of the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary between December 1999 to April 2001. This population has not grown significantly in 15 years, and may be interbreeding with domestic water buffalo.[3]

Nepal's only population lives in the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, and comprised 159 individuals in 2004. This small population is currently seriously threatened.[4][5]

They inhabit the forests of Kaziranga and Manas national parks.

Populations found elsewhere in Asia are feral breeds. They were introduced to northern Australia, Argentina and Bolivia.[2]

Ecology and behavior

Wild water buffalos are both diurnal and nocturnal. They exhibit a polygynous mating system, with females typically giving birth to single offspring, although twins are possible. Adult females and their young form stable clans of as many as 30 individuals that have home ranges of 170 to 1,000 ha (0.66 to 3.86 sq mi) including areas for resting, grazing, wallowing and drinking. Clans are led by old cows, even when bulls accompany the group. Several clans form a herd of 30 to 500 animals that gather at resting areas. Adult males form bachelor groups of up to 10 individuals, with older males often solitary, and spend the dry season apart from the female clans. They are seasonal breeders in most of their range, typically in October and November. However, some populations breed year round. Their gestation lasts 10 to 11 months, with an interbirth interval of one year. Age at sexual maturity is 18 months for males, and three years for females. The maximum known lifespan is 25 years in the wild.[2]

They are probably grazers by preference, feeding mainly on true grasses when available, such as Scutch grass and sedges. But they also eat herbs, fruits, and bark as well as browsing trees and shrubs.[6] They also feed on crops, including rice, sugar cane, and jute, sometimes causing considerable damage.[7]

Threats

A population reduction by at least 50% over the last three generations seems likely given the severity of the threats, especially hybridization; this population trend is projected to continue into the future. The most important threats are:[1]

Tigers prey on adult wild water buffalo, and Asian black bears have also been known to kill them.[8] The smaller and less aggressive domestic water buffalo can be taken by the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), which rarely, if ever, encounters the wild buffalo species.

Conservation

Bubalus arnee is included in CITES Appendix III, and is legally protected in Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Thailand.[1]

Taxonomy

Water buffalo sculpture, Lopburi, Thailand, 2300 BCE.

In 2003, the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature has fixed the first available specific name based on a wild population that the name for this wild species is valid by virtue of its being antedated by a name based on a domestic form. The binomial Bubalus bubalis was initially applied to the domestic water buffalo by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. Robert Kerr applied the binomial Bubalus arnee to the wild species in 1792. Most authors have adopted this first available name based on the wild species as valid for the taxon.[9]

The river buffalo Bubalus bubalis bubalis and carabao or swamp buffalo Bubalus bubalis carabanensis are both derived from the wild water buffalo, and are the product of thousands of years of selective breeding carried out either in South Asia or Southeast Asia.[10]

Modern uses

Wildlife and conservation scientists have started to recommend and use introduced populations of feral domestic water buffalo in far away lands to manage uncontrolled vegetation growth in and around natural wetlands. Introduced water buffalo at home in such environs provide cheap service by regularly grazing the uncontrolled vegetation and opening up clogged water bodies for waterfowl, wetland birds and other wildlife.[11]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Template:IUCN
  2. ^ a b c d Nowak, R. M. (1999) Walker's Mammals of the World. Volume 1. The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, USA and London, UK
  3. ^ Chaiyarat, R., Lauhachinda, V., Kutintara, U., Bhumpakphan, N., Prayurasiddhi, T. (2004) Population of Wild Water Buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis) in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand. Natural History Bulletin Siam Society 52 (2): 151–162
  4. ^ Heinen, J. T. (1993) Population viability and management recommendations for wild water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in Kosi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal. Biological Conservation 65: 29–34
  5. ^ Heinen, J. T., Ramchandra, K. (2006) Threats to a small population: a census and conservation recommendations for wild buffalo Bubalus arnee in Nepal. Oryx 40: 1–8
  6. ^ Daniel, J. C., Grubh, B. R. (1966) The Indian wild buffalo Bubalus bubalis (Linn), in peninsular India: a preliminary survey. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 63: 32–53
  7. ^ Lēkhakun, B., Mcneely, J. A. (1988) Mammals of Thailand. 2nd edition. Saha Karn Bhaet, Bangkok, Thailand
  8. ^ Humphrey, S. R., Bain, J. R. (1990) Endangered animals of Thailand. Issue 6 of Flora & Fauna handbook. Sandhill Crane Press. ISBN 1877743054
  9. ^ Gentry, A. Clutton-Brock, J., Groves, C. P. (2004) The naming of wild animal species and their domestic derivatives. Journal of Archaeological Science 31: 645–651
  10. ^ Yang, D. Y., Li Liu, Chen, X., Speller, C. F. (2008) Wild or domesticated: DNA analysis of ancient water buffalo remains from north China. Journal of Archaeological Science 35 (2008) 2778–2785
  11. ^ BBC News February 2004 Buffalo improve wildlife habitat

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wild_water_buffalo&oldid=420649925"