Bison and buffalo are two distinct animals that many people confuse with one for the other. They are big, and powerful, with horns, and their habitat ranges between North America and Europe for bison and Africa and Asia for buffalo. Obviously, there is a difference between bison and buffalo. Unlike the bison, which is prominent with his hump at the back, buffalo are not. A bison is heavier as they can weigh up to 2,000 pounds, while buffalo weigh close to 1,500. Both play a crucial role in their environment. They keep the grasslands healthy.
Get to know the differences between bison and buffalo and even provide facts of interest in the two species.
Main Difference Between Bison and Buffalo
Bison and buffalo look alike but are different. Bison live in North America and Europe. Buffalo lives in Africa and Asia. Bison have a large hump on their back. Buffalo does not. Bison are heavier. They can weigh up to 2,000 pounds. Buffalo weighs around 1,500 pounds. Bison have shorter horns. Buffalo have longer, curved horns. Bison have thick fur. Buffalo have thinner fur. Both eat grass and plants. Bison are frequently referred to as buffalo, although this is a misnomer. They come from different families of animals.
Bison Vs. Buffalo
What is a Bison?
Bison are large, strong animals. They live in North America and Europe. The American bison is the heaviest land animal in North America. It can weigh up to 2,000 pounds. Bison have a big hump on their back. This hump is made of muscle. It helps them push through snow in winter. Bison have short, curved horns. They use their horns for fighting. Bison have thick fur. This keeps them warm in cold weather.
Read Also: Difference Between Stag and Buck
Bison is a herbivore. Bison eat grasses, plants, and leaves. They live in groups known as herds. Herds consist of hundreds of bison. Bison play an important role in the environment. They keep the grasslands healthy. Bison came close to being extinct in the 1800s. Presently, they are protected. Their population is increasing. The bison has been a symbol of strength and freedom.
What is Buffalo?
Buffalo are large animals. They are found in Africa and Asia. There are two types: the African buffalo and the Asian water buffalo. African buffalo are wild and dangerous. Asian water buffalo are often domesticated. Buffalo does not have a hump like a bison. They have long, curved horns. These horns can spread up to 5 feet wide. Buffalo are lighter than bison. They weigh around 1,500 pounds.
Read Also: Difference Between Wolves and Dogs
Buffalo are herbivores. They feed on grass, plants, and water plants. African buffalo live in herds. Such herds may contain thousands of buffalo. Asian water buffalo are often used by farmers. They help plow fields and carry heavy loads. Buffalo are very important to their ecosystems. They help maintain grasslands and wetlands. Buffalo is also very important to many cultures. They are symbols of power and survival.
Comparison Table “Bison Vs. Buffalo”
| Location | North America, Europe | Africa, Asia |
| Hump | Yes | No |
| Horns | Short, curved | Long, curved |
| Weight | Up to 2,000 pounds | Around 1,500 pounds |
| Fur | Thick | Thin |
| Diet | Grass, shrubs | Grass, water plants |
| Behavior | Less aggressive | Can be dangerous |
| Habitat | Grasslands, forests | Savannas, wetlands |
| Speed | Up to 35 mph | Slower |
| Reproduction | One calf, a reddish coat | One calf, darker coat |
| Conservation | Recovering from near extinction | Stable populations |
| Cultural Role | Symbol of North America | Important in Africa and Asia |
| Domestication | Not domesticated | Asian water buffalo are used |
| Lifespan | Up to 20 years | Up to 25 years |
| Predators | Wolves, bears | Lions, crocodiles |
| Population | Growing | Stable |
| Symbolism | Strength | Power |
Difference Between Bison and Buffalo in Detail
Get to know the Difference Between Bison Vs. Buffalo in Detail.
Location
Bison exist in North America and Europe. American bison habitat is in the U.S. and Canada. European bison habitats are noted to be in Poland and Belarus. Buffalo has its habitats in Africa and Asia. For instance, African buffalo habitats are identified and found in the regions of sub-Saharan Africa. Asian water buffalo habitats exist in India, China, and Southeast Asia.
Bison like living in grasslands and forests. Buffalo is like residing in savannas, swamps, or wetlands. Their living styles are vastly different. Bison survive in very cold climates. Buffalo lives in the warmer parts. This determines their behavior and their diet.
Physical Structure
Bison have a great big hump on their back. This is made of muscle. It is used to break through snow. Buffalo does not have a hump. The horns of the bison are shorter and more curved. The horns of buffalo are longer and more curved. Their horns may spread up to 5 feet wide.
Bison have thick fur. This helps them stay warm in winter. Buffalo has much thinner fur. They don’t need thick fur in warm weather. Bison are also heavier. They can weigh up to 2,000 pounds. Buffalo weighs about 1,500 pounds.
Diet
Both bison and buffalo are herbivores. They feed on grass, plants, and leaves. Bison graze in grasslands. They also consume shrubs and small trees. Buffalo feed on grass and aquatic plants. Asian water buffalo spend much time in the water. They feed on aquatic plants.
Bison are able to survive harsh winters. They dig through the snow to find food. Buffalo doesn’t have to deal with such issues. They live in places with warmer climates. Their diet is more diverse.
Behavior
Bison live in herds. These herds can have hundreds of bison. They are social animals. Bison are powerful and fast. They can run up to 35 miles per hour. Buffalo also live in herds. African buffalo herds can have thousands of animals.
Bison are not as aggressive as buffalo. African buffalo are aggressive. They fight lions and other predators. Asian water buffalo are docile. They are commonly used by farmers.
Mating
Bison mate in late summer. Female bison give birth to one calf in spring. The calf remains with its mother for nearly a year. Buffalo also gave birth to one calf. The calf remains with the herd.
Bison calves are born with a reddish coat. Buffalo calves are born with a darker coat. Both calves grow very fast. They start eating grass in a few weeks.
Conservation Status
Bison almost became extinct in the 1800s. Hunting and habitat loss reduced their numbers. Today, they are protected. Their numbers are growing. Buffalo are not endangered. However, some species face threats.
African buffalo are hunted both for the meat and the horns. Asian water buffalo are raised. They are not threatened. Conservation involves both animals.
Cultural Significance
Bison are considered to be the flagship of North America. These represent power and freedom. Native Americans relied on bison for food and tools. Buffalo is considered a symbol in Africa and Asia. Buffalo is a symbol of the power of survival.
In Asia, water buffalo are used in farming. They are part of many traditions. Both animals are respected in their cultures.
Key Difference Between Bison and Buffalo
Here are the key points showing the Difference Between Bison Vs. Buffalo.
- Location: Bison live in North America and Europe. Buffalo lives in Africa and Asia.
- Hump: Bison have a hump. Buffalo does not.
- Horns: Bison have short horns. Buffalo have long, curved horns.
- Weight: Bison are heavier. They weigh up to 2,000 pounds. Buffalo weighs around 1,500 pounds.
- Fur: Bison have thick fur. Buffalo have thinner fur.
- Diet: Both eat grass. Bison also eat shrubs. Buffalo eat water plants.
- Behavior: Bison are less aggressive. Buffalo can be dangerous.
- Habitat: Bison live in grasslands and forests. Buffalo live in savannas and wetlands.
- Speed: Bison can run up to 35 miles per hour. Buffalo is slower.
- Reproduction: Both give birth to one calf. Bison calves have a reddish coat.
- Conservation: Bison were almost extinct. Buffalo is not endangered.
- Cultural Role: Bison is a symbol of North America. Buffalo is important in Africa and Asia.
- Domestication: Bison are not domesticated. Asian water buffalo are used in farming.
- Lifespan: Bison live up to 20 years. Buffalo lives up to 25 years.
- Predators: Bison face wolves and bears. Buffalo face lions and crocodiles.
- Population: Bison numbers are growing. Buffalo populations are stable.
- Symbolism: Bison represents strength. Buffalo represents power.
FAQs: Bison Vs. Buffalo
Conclusion
They look the same but there is a Difference Between Bison and Buffalo. Bison can be found in North America and Europe. Buffalo exists in Africa and Asia. Bison have a hump and are heavier. Buffalo have longer horns and are lighter. Both animals play a role in nature. They help keep grasslands. Bison are often called buffalo, but this is wrong. Knowing the differences helps us understand these creatures better. They are important to keep safe for our planet.
