Wildebeest vs. Buffalo — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 2, 2023
Wildebeest are large antelopes known for their migrations, while buffaloes are robust bovines, known for their strength and herd behavior.
Difference Between Wildebeest and Buffalo
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Wildebeest, also known as gnus, belong to the antelope family and are native to Africa. They are known for their annual migrations across the Serengeti. Characteristically, wildebeest have a leaner build with sloping backs and curved horns.
Buffalo, on the other hand, are members of the bovine family and are found in various parts of the world. African buffaloes are native to sub-Saharan Africa, while the water buffalo is common in Asia. Buffaloes are characterized by their bulky frame, large horns, and robust build.
Wildebeest are primarily grazers, feeding on grasses and moving in large herds. Their migrations are one of the world's most spectacular wildlife events, involving thousands of animals. Wildebeest are also known for their speed and agility.
In contrast, buffaloes are known for their strength and are often seen wallowing in mud or water. They have a social structure with herds often led by dominant females. Buffaloes can be aggressive and are considered one of Africa's most dangerous animals.
Comparison Chart
Family
Antelope
Bovine
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Habitat
Africa
Africa, Asia
Physical Build
Leaner, sloping back
Bulky, robust
Horns
Curved
Large, often curved
Behavior
Known for migrations
Known for strength, herd behavior
Compare with Definitions
Wildebeest
A member of the antelope family
Wildebeest are found in various parts of Africa.
Buffalo
An animal often seen wallowing in mud
The buffalo enjoyed the cooling mud.
Wildebeest
An animal famous for its annual migration
The great wildebeest migration is a sight to behold.
Buffalo
A large bovine animal with massive horns
The buffalo herd was grazing near the waterhole.
Wildebeest
A grazing mammal
Wildebeest herds move in search of fresh grass.
Buffalo
A herd animal with a social structure
The buffalo herd was led by a dominant female.
Wildebeest
A large African antelope known for migrations
The wildebeest herds were crossing the river.
Buffalo
A member of the bovine family
Buffaloes are found in parts of Africa and Asia.
Wildebeest
An animal with characteristic curved horns
Wildebeest grazed on the savannah.
Buffalo
Any of several large African and Asian ruminant mammals of the family Bovidae, such as the water buffalo and the African buffalo.
Wildebeest
The wildebeest ( WIL-dib-eest, VIL-, ), also called the gnu ( NEW or NOO), is an antelope in the genus Connochaetes native to Eastern and Southern Africa. It belongs to the family Bovidae, which includes antelopes, cattle, goats, sheep, and other even-toed horned ungulates.
Buffalo
The American bison (Bison bison).
Wildebeest
See gnu.
Buffalo
The flesh of the American bison, used as food.
Wildebeest
(zoology) The gnu.
Buffalo
Any of several North American suckers of the genus Ictiobus, having a dark body and an arched back. Also called buffalo fish.
Wildebeest
The gnu.
Buffalo
To intimidate or frighten, as by a display of authority
“The board couldn't buffalo the federal courts as it had the Comptroller” (American Banker).
Wildebeest
Large African antelope having a head with horns like an ox and a long tufted tail
Buffalo
To confuse or deceive
“Too often ... job seekers have buffaloed lenders as to their competency and training” (H. Jane Lehman).
Buffalo
Any of the Old World mammals of the family Bovidae, such as the Cape buffalo, Syncerus caffer, or the water buffalo Bubalus bubalis.
Buffalo
A related North American animal, the American bison, Bison bison.
Buffalo
Ellipsis of buffalo robe
Buffalo
The buffalo fish (Ictiobus spp.).
Buffalo
A nickel.
Buffalo
(transitive) To hunt buffalo.
Buffalo
To outwit, confuse, deceive, or intimidate.
Buffalo
To pistol-whip.
Buffalo
A species of the genus Bos or Bubalus (Bubalus bubalus), originally from India, but now found in most of the warmer countries of the eastern continent. It is larger and less docile than the common ox, and is fond of marshy places and rivers.
Buffalo
A very large and savage species of the same genus (Syncerus Caffer syn. Bubalus Caffer) found in South Africa; - called also Cape buffalo.
Buffalo
Any species of wild ox.
Buffalo
The bison of North America.
Buffalo
A buffalo robe. See Buffalo robe, below.
Buffalo
The buffalo fish. See Buffalofish, below.
Buffalo
Large shaggy-haired brown bison of North American plains
Buffalo
A city on Lake Erie in western New York (near Niagara Falls)
Buffalo
Meat from an American bison
Buffalo
Any of several Old World animals resembling oxen including, e.g., water buffalo; Cape buffalo
Buffalo
Intimidate or overawe
Buffalo
An animal known for its strength
Buffaloes can be quite formidable.
Common Curiosities
What continents are wildebeest native to?
Africa.
What is the lifespan of a wildebeest?
Around 20 years in the wild.
What is the social structure of wildebeest?
They form large herds.
Can buffaloes be dangerous to humans?
Yes, especially if threatened.
Can wildebeest swim?
Yes, they often cross rivers during migrations.
Are buffaloes good swimmers?
Yes, they are known to swim well.
Do wildebeest have any predators?
Yes, lions and hyenas are common predators.
Are buffaloes domesticated anywhere?
Yes, especially water buffaloes in Asia.
Are wildebeest endangered?
Some species are, like the blue wildebeest.
Are buffalo found outside of Africa?
Yes, especially in Asia.
How long do buffaloes live?
Typically 20-25 years.
Do buffaloes have a hierarchy in their herds?
Yes, often led by dominant females.
What do wildebeest eat?
Mainly grass.
Do wildebeest have any cultural significance?
Yes, in many African cultures and in wildlife tourism.
What is the main diet of a buffalo?
Grass and aquatic vegetation.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
