Date Published: October 2011
Assessment SummaryThe Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is a large bovid that has been domesticated for thousands of years. Feral populations are known to exist well outside the species' natural range of tropical and sub-tropical south and south-east Asia.
Domesticated Water Buffalo occur in all Australian states, where they are used for meat, hide and dairy production. In northern Australia, Water Buffalo are feral pests. The species is noted for causing extensive environmental damage to tropical wetlands and grasslands in Australia and is subject to an ongoing eradication program. Water buffalo are also capable of causing severe injury to people, and may have a significant impact on agriculture through overgrazing and trampling.
However, the Water Buffalo's impact on Tasmanian biodiversity and agriculture is likely to be significantly limited by climate.
This risk assessment concludes that Water Buffalo are a 'serious' threat to Tasmania and proposes that imports be restricted to those licence holders approved for keeping serious threat species.
Assessment Documentation
Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) (684Kb)