MANILA — Driving across the countryside and seeing tranquil gray water buffaloes or carabaos tilling land in one area and relaxing in murky rivers in another, one would think both come from the same species. You may be right, or not.

While these gentle giants have been classified as either swamp or riverine buffaloes, a recent study points to evidence indicating that both are distinct from one another. 

Filipino researchers looked into the taxonomic designation of both types of buffaloes in the country.

Swamp buffaloes usually assist farmers with land preparation among other types of agricultural functions. Meanwhile, riverine buffaloes are said to be used more for milk production.

While both types of buffaloes may look entirely alike at first glance, their differences are actually found in their deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequences and number of chromosomes.

Following this finding, one may look at both types of buffaloes and then notice slight differences in their appearance.

Dr. Lilian Villamor, one of the researchers from the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Carabao Center, enumerated the physical differences between both types of buffaloes.

Swamp carabao (Bubalus kerabau Fitzinger, 1860) Courtesy: Lilian P. Villamor

“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,” she said in a UP College of Science press release.

Riverine buffaloes, on the other hand, are much larger with curly horns.

Both riverine and swamp buffaloes have been crossbred in the country in the hopes that their offspring carry characteristics of “improved potential for milk and meat production.”

However there has been limited success in this. Hence, half-breeds were not part of the study titled “Molecular Data and Karyotype Revealed Two Distinct Species of Domesticated Water Buffaloes in the Philippines.”

Riverine carabao (Bubalus bubalis  Linnaeus, 1758) Courtesy: Therese Patricka C. Cailipan and Sonny C. Ramos

Researchers of the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science and the Department of Agriculture believe the study provides vital information and insights that can be used to guide management and conservation efforts for the riverine and swamp buffaloes as well as their crossbred offspring. 

While it may be of little use to ordinary folk, the study presents a clearly defined line between both buffalo species. 

So the next time you set out on an adventure and encounter these creatures, you may very well impress your friends by identifying the type of buffalo you see and what they are most capable of doing.

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