Where did domestic River buffalo find niches in Europe dating back to the Early Middle Ages?
River deltas and marshy areas, such as the Pontine Marshes near Rome
The introduction of the River buffalo into Europe during the Early Middle Ages, possibly facilitated by the Byzantine Empire or Mediterranean trade, led to their establishment in specific, suitable environments. These hardy animals, which thrive where domestic cattle often struggle, found niches in marshy and river delta areas. A specific example cited is the Pontine Marshes located near Rome, where these European strains survived in relative isolation for centuries. This geographic restriction acted as a micro-evolutionary pressure cooker, refining local traits like temperament and horn shape to fit specific European farming demands, paralleling the initial differentiation from the main Asian genetic pool.
