As practice shows, in the animal world, not predators, but representatives of large herbivores often have an obstinate disposition and aggressiveness. For example, elephants, hippos, rhinos and water buffalo (Indian or Asian), which will be discussed. This is one of the first animals domesticated by man. It has long been used as a traction force. The history of their breeding began in Ceylon more than 5 thousand years ago.
View description
A large animal with a restless disposition belongs to the genus of Asian buffaloes, these are bulls of impressive size and menacing appearance. An adult individual grows up to three meters in length, while at the withers it reaches a height of 2 m, and its weight fluctuates around the 1000 kg mark. Their most formidable weapon is the horns, which grow 1.5-2 m in length. They are laid back and slightly spaced to the sides, have the shape of crescents with a flattened section. In females, horns are most often absent or small in size.
The water buffalo, the photo of which is presented in the article, has a dense physique, blue-black color, half-white legs, powerful structure. The shape of the head is elongated andslightly lowered, the tail is long, ending in a large tassel. The animal has a well-developed sense of smell, sharp hearing, but mediocre vision. This is a very serious opponent, which is not characterized by fear of either humans or predators. Preparing for an attack, the male begins to actively kick the ground, while snorting loudly. Females are especially dangerous during the period when they protect calves.
Water buffalo: habitat
Relatively recently, by historical standards (the first millennium AD), this formidable animal could be found almost everywhere. Its vast habitat stretched from Mesopotamia to the lands of southern China, and in the 19th century it was brought to Australia and populated the northern part of the continent. Now the animal can be found mainly in Asia: Nepal, Bhutan, Laos, Thailand, India, Cambodia and Sri Lanka. Until the middle of the twentieth century, they were also found in Malaysia, but, apparently, they were completely exterminated. Currently, the number of wild Asian buffalo in the wild continues to decline, the species is on the verge of extinction.
Why "water"?
Indian water buffalo got its name not by chance. His way of life is most closely associated with various kinds of slow-flowing or stagnant water bodies, especially often he chooses reeds and tall grasses along the banks, as well as swampy jungles and river valleys.
The herd grazes in the early morning and evening hours, when it is still cool outside. Basic diet (up to 70%)is aquatic vegetation. Buffaloes spend hot days immersed up to their heads in water or liquid mud, often adjacent to rhinos. The animal does not tolerate heat very well, since the sweat glands are extremely poorly developed. In the water he is safe, the body becomes light and static, and therefore the energy consumption slows down. This feature explains why the animal was called "water buffalo", in zoological taxonomy this concept does not exist. What is the scientific name of a water buffalo? This is an Asian or Indian buffalo, the largest bull on the planet.
Interestingly, they are good at diving and swimming. White herons and some other birds that sit on their back or head and pull ticks and various parasites out of the skin are constant companions of animals. In nature, everything is natural and mutually beneficial. Spending most of the time in the reservoir, the Asian water buffalo fertilizes it. Manure is a natural fertilizer and supports the intensive growth of aquatic plants.
Behavioral features
Almost all ungulates are herd animals, and the buffalo is no exception. They keep, as a rule, in small groups, which include the leader - an old bull, several young males and a female with calves. Hierarchy in the herd is weakly expressed. The old male keeps aloof, but when attacked by predators or any other threat and flight, he controls the herd. When moving, a certain order is observed. Adults go first, they run after themcalves, and then the rear guard - young animals.
The tropical climate means that the Indian buffalo (water) does not have a specific breeding season. The pregnancy of a cow lasts about 300-340 days, only one calf is always born. The newborn has soft fluffy fur of bright yellow-brown color. Breastfeeding lasts up to six months, sometimes up to 9 months. After the calf is completely pastured.
Conservation issue
Disappearing from many places, the buffalo has survived to this day in Asia, but even there its numbers are steadily declining. The main reason for this is the destruction of the natural habitats of animals, and not hunting, as it might seem at first glance. Of course, it also takes place, but it is carried out in accordance with the law according to allocated quotas. Settling in remote areas and plowing lands, draining swamps - all this takes away a home from animals. The second factor is the crossing of wild individuals with domesticated ones, as a result of which the former lose their purity of blood. It is almost impossible to avoid this circumstance, since the neighborhood with people is very close.
Asian buffalo (water) has natural enemies, but they are few. Only combed or marsh crocodiles and tigers can attack and, importantly, defeat an adult bull. Many representatives of predators, including leopards and wolves, are at risk of attacking females, calves and young animals. On some islands in Indonesia, attacks on animals by large Komodo monitor lizards are known. Tearing the tendons of the bulls,"Komodo dragons" literally eat their prey alive. Calves are more likely to die from heat or disease.
Buffalo and man
People in ancient times domesticated this large and strong representative of the buffalo genus. Now this bull is one of the main animals in the agriculture of the Asian region. Domestic individuals differ from wild ones not only in their calm and balanced disposition, but also in their physique. They have a sagging and strongly protruding belly, while the native species has a lean body and an aggressive character. The main scope of the animal is as a draft force in the cultivation of rice fields. Meat is not eaten, as it is too hard, but milk has a high fat content, but the productivity of buffaloes is several times less compared to simple cows.
