The water buffalo or domestic Asian water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is a large bovine animal, frequently used as livestock in the Indian Subcontinent, and also widely in South America, southern Europe, Northern Africa, and elsewhere.
In 2000, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimated there were approximately 158 million water buffalo in the world, with 97% of them (approximately 153 million animals) in Asia
Reference: Water Bufallo on Wikipedia.
Water buffalo have been domesticated for 5,000 years, and have become economically important animals. They provide more than 5% of the world’s milk supply and 20% to 30% of the farm power in Southeast Asia.
The water buffalo has promise as a major source of meat, even the milking ones. The water buffalo also is the classic work animal in Asia, an integral part of that continent’s traditional village farming structure. The domesticated water buffalo is often referred to as “the living tractor of the East”, as it is relied upon for ploughing and transportation in many parts of Asia - Wikipedia.
These are some of those found in Sabah, Borneo (Malaysia):
"Hello, mad at me for taking your pic?" - buffaloes mud-bathing on an abandoned paddy field. Sometimes they become a nuisance in the neighbourhood when they enter your compound in the middle of the night and 'slam dunk' their dunk at pleasure right infront of your gate.
"Alone with the buffalo?" - The Egretta Alba or great egret (the official mascot of Kota Kinabalu city) enjoying the company of the resting pack.
Ah, everyone seem to have a birdie-friend here.
