The Indian water buffalo is a herbivorous giant that even the tiger avoids

What is the first thing that comes to mind when we think of India? Of course, the majestic Taj Mahal, ancient yoga, vibrant Bollywood, questionable street food and, of course, amazing animals that we consider typically Indian. These are elephants, tigers and, of course, huge buffalos. By the way, all these animals are found in other Asian countries, but it doesn’t matter. Today we will talk about those very water buffalos that are so loved to be shown in all documentaries about the nature of Hindustan.

These buffalos are often called Indian, but this is incorrect. They live not only in India, but also in Nepal, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, and in the south of China. However, the majority of individuals still live in India - about 3,500 out of 4,000. The correct name of the animal is the Asian buffalo, or in Latin Bubalus arnee, which is translated as arni.

The Asian buffalo is considered the largest bull on Earth. Its body length can exceed three meters, and its height at the withers reaches two. The weight of an adult male can sometimes exceed one and a half tons. The main feature of the buffalo is its huge horns. These formidable "weapons" can swing more than two meters. However, only males have horns. Females either do not have them at all, or they are very small. And the cows themselves are much smaller than the males.

The most unpleasant quality of Asian buffalos is their ferocious nature. Bulls are very aggressive and can attack without reason. People often become victims of these animals. You can end up in the risk zone completely by accident, passing by a pond. One of the names of these ungulates is water buffalo. Animals prefer to graze near rivers and lakes and often submerge themselves in a pond completely, leaving only their nostrils, eyes and horns outside.

Submerging themselves in water or mud not only helps buffalo escape the heat, but also rid themselves of parasites. Often, these animals completely cover themselves in a crust of mud, protecting themselves from annoying flying and crawling tormentors. In addition, they allow herons and turtles to help them deal with insects. These brave helpers fearlessly wander over the giants lying near the shore, cleaning their skin.

Wide hooves help buffalos stand confidently even on muddy bottoms and in swampy areas. When a bull is enraged, it can rush through the swampy mud at incredible speed, like a locomotive. Most of all, these animals love juicy plants that grow near or right in the water. But sometimes they get out into the fields and organize real raids on agricultural lands, causing serious damage.

Rhinos used to be seen in the water next to buffalos. These two formidable herbivores of the jungle peacefully coexisted with each other. But in recent decades, the rhino population has sharply decreased, and now meeting them is a great success. Buffalos prefer to live in large groups of 15 to 25 individuals. There are also solitary males, which are considered especially dangerous.

A lone adult buffalo in the jungle is afraid of almost nothing. In nature, these giants have almost no enemies. Even tigers rarely dare to attack them. But calves often become tasty prey for predators - tigers, leopards and crocodiles hunt them. However, if a baby is near its large family, it becomes extremely difficult to get close to it.

Man domesticated Asian buffaloes about 5,000 years ago. During this time, various domestic forms have evolved from the wild ancestor, which today are found on almost all continents except Antarctica. The buffalo plays an important role in agriculture. In many humid regions of Asia, where other animals do not cope well with work, it is irreplaceable. Buffaloes are used to plow fields, harness them to carts, and even used for riding.

Buffalo meat, skins and milk are in great demand. Interestingly, real mozzarella cheese is made from buffalo milk. Domestic buffalo are usually calmer than their wild relatives. They are smaller and lighter than their forest counterparts, but if they are angered, they can also be dangerous.

By the way, domestic forms can have even larger horns than wild ones. An example is the Longhorn breed. It holds the absolute record for the length of horns - 2.4 meters each! In nature, such decorations are excessive, because they will interfere with getting through the thickets.

Asian water buffalos are impressive creatures that have coexisted with humans for centuries, while remaining one of the most ferocious herbivores. Their strength, horns, and temperament make them both useful and dangerous neighbors. Do you think it is possible to fully tame such powerful animals, or will their wild nature always prevail? Share your opinion in the comments!