Cows and buffaloes are two common domestic animals which exhibit different terrestrial adaptations. Though buffaloes are preferred by private dairy farmers because of their greater milk producing capacity, these cause heavy economic loss. If placed in an unsuitable microhabitat.
The common buffaloes found in different parts of India like Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Nagaland are called water buffaloes since their natural habitats are wetlands or riverbeds. They have black skin with very little fur. Black skin absorbs more heat. Due to the absence of sweat glands, buffaloes cannot perspire. Since they can not tolerate the heat of the Indian summer, they prefer to wallow in mud and water.
A buffalo maintained on a dry land will face greater difficulties because of greater heat, and less shade, comfort and wallowing opportunity. Under such conditions, buffalo will produce less fatty milk. Buffalo is better off in mesic habitat. Because of this, dairy farmers of Rajasthan do not get full benefit. Cows are more beneficial for them because of their light-coloured skin. Cows are well adapted to xeric habitats of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Some other animals like hippopotamus are also wetland animals. To overcome high temperatures they have to wallow in water and marshes.