Buffalo (Tatanka)

Buffalo, also known as Tatanka in Lakota, are large North American mammals belonging to the bovine family. They are characterized by their massive size, thick horns, and dense fur, adapted to the plains and grasslands. Historically, buffalo were vital to Native American tribes for food, clothing, and tools, shaping their cultures and economies. The species faced near extinction due to overhunting and habitat loss in the 19th century but has since been protected and reintroduced in some areas. Today, they symbolize wilderness and cultural heritage, playing important roles in conservation efforts and ecological balance.