When we talk about Wildlife Conservation, the flagship species such as lions, tigers, elephants, polar bears and giant pandas are at the cente of discussion. While conservation efforts focused towards flagship species benefit other important species sharing the same habitat, some species are clearly overlooked as evident by their declining numbers. One such species is the Wild Water Buffalo – (Bubalus arnee)- the mighty animal who featured in Kipling’s The Jungle Book is battling extinction from the very place it once ruled.
About the Wild Water Buffalo
Standing tall ,with its long horns and a height of 150-190 cm, the animal weighing 800 to 1200 kg is the largest land mammal found on the earth after the elephant and rhinoceros. It is the largest horned species of the genus Bos.
Once found in abundance across northeast India, extending to northern and central India, the species now has its last herds in some pockets in northeast and central India. With less than 3000 individuals estimated to be remaining in the wild worldwide, the species is classified as endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species since 1986 and is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act India,1972.
Threats and Conservation of the Wild Water Buffalo
About the Wild Water Buffalo
Standing tall ,with its long horns and a height of 150-190 cm, the animal weighing 800 to 1200 kg is the largest land mammal found on the earth after the elephant and rhinoceros. It is the largest horned species of the genus Bos.
Once found in abundance across northeast India, extending to northern and central India, the species now has its last herds in some pockets in northeast and central India. With less than 3000 individuals estimated to be remaining in the wild worldwide, the species is classified as endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species since 1986 and is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act India,1972.
Threats and Conservation of the Wild Water Buffalo