The Wild Water Buffalo, known locally as the "Arna," is found in the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in eastern Nepal. With fewer than 4,000 individuals left in the wild globally, the Arna is critically endangered. Nepal's conservation efforts in Koshi Tappu are vital for the survival of this rare species
The wild water buffalo (Bubalus arnee), also known as the Asian buffalo, Asiatic buffalo, and wild buffalo, is a magnificent and endangered bovine native to Nepal and Southeast Asia. Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List since 1986, the global population of wild water buffaloes is estimated to be fewer than 4,000 individuals. A symbol of Nepal's rich biodiversity, this striking animal is believed to be the most likely ancestor of the domestic water buffalo.
Physical Characteristics
The wild water buffalo is characterized by ash-gray to black skin and moderately long, coarse hair that is directed forward from the haunches to the head. Both males and females possess heavy, widely spreading horns that can exceed 2 meters in length, the longest among living bovids. With a head-to-body length of 240 to 300 cm, a shoulder height of 150 to 190 cm, and a weight range of 600 to 1,200 kg, it stands as one of the heaviest living wild bovids, rivaled only by the gaur.
Habitat and Distribution in Nepal
In Nepal, the wild water buffalo is found primarily in the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. The population in this reserve has seen significant growth, from 63 individuals in 1976 to 219 in 2009. In an effort to establish a second viable sub-population, 18 individuals were translocated from Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve to Chitwan National Park in 2016. This translocation is a critical step in ensuring the long-term survival of the species in Nepal.
Ecology and Behavior
Wild water buffaloes in Nepal are both diurnal and nocturnal. They form stable clans of up to 30 individuals, with home ranges that include areas for resting, grazing, wallowing, and drinking. Clans, led by old cows, gather into larger herds of up to 500 animals. Adult males form bachelor groups or live solitarily, joining female clans during the breeding season, typically in October and November. Their diet primarily consists of grasses, sedges, herbs, fruits, and bark, and they occasionally feed on crops like rice and sugarcane, sometimes causing considerable damage.
Threats and Conservation
The wild water buffalo faces numerous threats in Nepal, including interbreeding with domestic and feral buffaloes, hunting, habitat loss due to agriculture and development, wetland degradation from invasive species, diseases, and competition for resources with livestock. A population reduction of at least 50% over the last three generations is likely, with this trend projected to continue.
To combat these threats, Bubalus arnee is protected under CITES Appendix III and enjoys legal protection in Nepal. Conservation efforts include habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, and community involvement. The translocation of individuals to Chitwan National Park is a significant conservation initiative aimed at creating a stable and thriving population outside Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve.
The wild water buffalo is a vital part of Nepal's natural heritage. Its conservation is crucial for maintaining the ecological balance and biodiversity of the region. Continued efforts in habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, and community involvement are essential to ensure the survival and prosperity of this magnificent species. Through these concerted efforts, there is hope that the wild water buffalo will continue to roam the wetlands of Nepal for generations to come.
Picture Credit: Thai National Park, iNaturalist, Boilogy Dictionery
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