Bison and buffalo are often used interchangeably, but they are distinct animals with notable differences.
Physical Characteristics
Bison are typically larger and more robust than buffalo. They have a large hump over their shoulders and a thick coat of fur, which helps them survive in colder climates.
Their heads are massive, with a short neck and thick beard. The two most well-known species are the American bison (Bison bison) and the European bison (Bison bonasus).
Buffalo, on the other hand, are divided into two main species: the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) and the Asian water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).
African buffaloes are known for their large, curved horns that come together at the base, forming a characteristic boss. They have a more uniform, sleeker body with no hump. Asian water buffaloes have long, backward-curving horns and are often domesticated for agriculture and transportation.
Habitat and Distribution
Bison are native to North America and Europe. The American bison once roamed the Great Plains in vast herds but are now mostly found in national parks and reserves. The European bison, also known as wisent, can be found in forested areas of Europe.
Buffaloes, in contrast, are native to Africa and Asia. African buffaloes inhabit sub-Saharan Africa, thriving in savannas, forests, and grasslands.
Asian water buffaloes are found in the wet and marshy areas of South Asia and Southeast Asia, where they play a crucial role in agriculture.
Historical Context
The confusion between bison and buffalo likely originated with early European settlers in America. Seeing the bison and mistaking them for the buffalo they were familiar with from Africa and Asia, they referred to the American bison as “buffalo.”
This misnomer has persisted in common usage, particularly in the names of places and sports teams, such as Buffalo, New York, and the Buffalo Bills.
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