1. African Buffalo (Syncerus caffer):
- African buffaloes are native to sub-Saharan Africa.
- They inhabit a range of habitats, including savannahs, grasslands, woodlands, forests, floodplains, and even mountains.
- They prefer areas with access to water and forage, such as near rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
2. American Bison (Bison bison):
- American bison, commonly known as buffalo, are native to North America.
- They historically occupied vast grasslands, prairies, and savannas across the continent.
- Today, they can be found in various types of grasslands, mixed-grass prairies, and some forested areas within protected reserves and national parks.
3. Asian Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis):
- Asian water buffaloes, also called domestic water buffalo, are common in many parts of Asia.
- They prefer warm, humid environments and are associated with wetlands, marshes, paddy fields, river basins, and other areas with abundant water and vegetation.
- Water buffaloes rely on water for wallowing and to regulate their body temperature.
4. African Forest Buffalo (Syncerus caffer nanus):
- African forest buffaloes live in dense forests and dense vegetation in some parts of central and western Africa.
- They inhabit lowland and montane forests, avoiding open areas and prefer shaded, lush forest habitats.
5. Lowland Anoa (Bubalus depressicornis):
- Lowland anoas are small buffalo species mainly found in the lowland forests of Sulawesi, Indonesia.
- They inhabit forests that are close to water sources, preferring dense vegetation for cover and protection.
It's important to note that some buffalo species are more adaptable than others and may occur in a broader range of habitats within their geographic distributions. Conservation efforts focus on protecting the natural habitats and maintaining sufficient resources to support healthy buffalo populations.