Buffaloes abroad and while traveling: are they dangerous, where do you encounter them, where can you see them?

What is a buffalo?

• The term “buffalo” refers to various species of both wild and domesticated cattle.
• In Africa, the Cape buffalo, a wild species, is still found in many countries and is considered one of the “Big Five.”
• The Cape buffalo is an incredibly strong, unpredictable animal with a broad head and a formidable set of horns.
• In Asia, a small number of wild water buffaloes still exist; however, the domesticated version, known simply as the domestic water buffalo, is widely used in agriculture.
• The water buffalo bears a strong resemblance to a common cow.

Are buffaloes dangerous when encountered abroad?

• Normally, buffaloes are not aggressive and tend to avoid confrontations; however, they are also very curious, and can sometimes be dangerous! They may wander away from their herd to investigate an unfamiliar vehicle. If they are startled while doing this, they will charge back toward their herd. This headlong rush is extremely dangerous, as the animal does not pay attention to anything (or anyone!) in its path.
• Buffaloes with calves, old or solitary individuals, those with past injuries, or animals that are being harassed may attack without warning.

What should you do if you encounter a buffalo?

• If you find yourself face-to-face with a buffalo, walk away very calmly. If, however, the animal charges aggressively, your only option is to run and find a barrier or climb a tree! Signs that a buffalo might be approaching include alarm calls from egrets or the sound of snapping twigs.
• It is also important to remember that where there are buffaloes, lions are often nearby…!

Where can you see buffalo abroad?

• The African buffalo lives in savannas and forested areas near water, across large parts of sub-Saharan Africa.
• Your best chance of spotting buffalo is in national parks with savanna or steppe landscapes, for example, in Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and Uganda.
• The wild water buffalo is extremely rare. In the Assam region of India, there is still a small chance of encountering a wild specimen.
• The domestic water buffalo is used throughout much of Asia as a beast of burden and, in some areas, as a source of milk.
• The Italian Mediterranean buffalo is kept in Italy for the production of mozarella.