What is the difference between bison and buffalo?

The terms "bison" and "buffalo" are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion, but they refer to distinct animals, although both belong to the Bovidae family (cattle, antelope, etc.). The key differences lie in their taxonomy and geographic location:

• Bison: Bison are found in North America (American bison) and Europe (European bison, also called wisent). They are characterized by a pronounced shoulder hump, a shaggy mane, and relatively shorter horns. Their forequarters are significantly more massive than their hindquarters. There are two extant species: the American bison ( Bison bison) and the European bison (Bison bonasus).

• Buffalo: The term "buffalo" generally refers to species in the genus Syncerus, which are found in Africa. They are characterized by a much larger, more robust build overall with a less pronounced hump compared to bison. Their horns are significantly longer and more curved. The African buffalo includes several subspecies, the most well-known being the Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer). Water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) are also sometimes called buffalo and are found in Asia and other parts of the world.

In short:

Feature	Bison	Buffalo (African & Water)
Location	North America & Europe	Africa & Asia
Shoulder Hump	Pronounced	Less pronounced, more even body shape
Horns	Relatively short	Long, curved
Build	Massive forequarters, shaggy mane	More robust and evenly proportioned
Genus	Bison	Syncerus (African) & Bubalus (Water)

The confusion stems from early European explorers who misnamed American bison as "buffalo" due to a superficial resemblance. This inaccurate naming persists to this day, leading to the widespread misconception. However, scientifically and taxonomically, they are distinct animals.