Whenever one passes by the countryside and sees still, tranquil water, there are usually buffaload or carabaos walking the land in one area and relaxing in dreary rivers in another. One would usually think that both are from the same species and you may be right, but not always.
These gentle mammals have been renowned as either swamp or riverine buffaloes with a recent study that provided points on how to distinguish them from one another.
Filipino researchers delved into the taxonomic designation of these buffaloes in the country.
From their studies, it has been said that swamp buffaloes are the ones that farmers use to assist them with land work or other types of agricultural functions. Meanwhile, riverine buffaloes are the ones mostly used for milk production.
While these carabaos may look different at first glance, their differences are actually found within their deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) order and chromosome amount. By following this finding, the differences in their appearances might become more obvious.
A researcher from the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Carabao Center, Dr. Lilian Villamor, stated what physical contrast the two buffaloes have.
Photo Courtesy: University of the Philippines Diliman – College of Science
“Swamp buffaloes can be identified by the white or light gray markings on their lower jaw and brisket, known as a chevron, as well as their lighter skin and coat color compared to riverine buffaloes,” Villamor stated in a UP College of Sciences press release.
She added that riverine buffaloes are bigger and contain curled horns. Riverine and swamp buffaloes have been crossbred in the Philippines, hoping that their offspring would carry attributes of “improved potential for milk and meat production.”
Although the success in this procedure is limited. Which is why half-breeds were excluded from the study titled “Molecular Data and Karyotype Revealed Two Distinct Species of Domesticated Water Buffaloes in the Philippines.”
Photo Courtesy: University of the Philippines Diliman – College of Science
Researchers from UP Diliman College of Science and the Department of Agriculture affirm that the study mentioned provides essential information that may be used as a guide on managing and conserving efforts for the buffaloes as well as their crossbred offspring.
Even though the ordinary folk are not used to the contrast, the study clearly defined a line between the two buffalo species.
The next time you step into the countryside and encounter these creatures, you might as well impress your companions by sharing information and identifying the type of buffalo you come across with.
Photo Courtesy: Project Noah