The Australian buffalo is a feral breed of water buffalo which is found in the Northern Territory. It is also known as the Australian Swamp Buffalo, Riverine Buffalo (river-type) and Australiano (in Venezuela).
It is actually a descendant of water buffaloes brought to the Northern Territory to Timor, Kisar and other islands of Indonesia. It was brought from Indonesia between 1824 and 1849.
Currently there are 30,000 domesticated buffalo in tuberculosis and brucellosis free areas in Australia’s Northern Territory. And the number of the feral buffalo is over 80,000. However, read some more information about this buffalo breed below.
Australian Buffalo Physical Characteristics
Like most other buffalo breeds, the Australian buffalo has an attractive appearance with long and large horns.
They can be either grey or black in coloration. And they are generally of large size. Photo and info from Wikipedia.
Uses
The Australian buffaloes are feral animals. They are often hunted in the Northern Territory. Nowadays the breed is kept in farms and used for meat production in Australia. And some animals are exported to Indonesia and Vietnam as livestock for meat.
Special Notes
Although the Australian buffaloes are feral animals, but today they are also kept on farms in both New South Wales and the Northern Territory itself. And some animals are exported to Indonesia and Vietnam as livestock for meat. However, review full breed profile of these animals in the table below.
Breed Name | Australian |
Other Name | Also known as the Australian Swamp Buffalo, Riverine Buffalo (river-type) and Australiano (in Venezuela). |
Breed Purpose | Feral (today kept in farms for meat) |
Special Notes | Feral animals, but today kept in farms for meat, exported to Indonesia and Vietnam as livestock for meat, large horns |
Breed Size | Large |
Climate Tolerance | Native climates |
Color | Grey or black |
Rarity | Common |
Country/Place of Origin | Australia |
The milk of them very good for yogurt and cheese