South Kanara buffaloes are medium built animals distributed in South Kanara region around Mangalore and Udupi on the west coast of India. The presence of South Kanara buffaloes in its original habitant has decreased substantially while more such animals are found in the adjoining Shimoga districts.

The body coat colour varies from brown to silver grey and black. Horns are flat, corrugated and curved projecting backwards, sideward and upward at the neck region. The tail is fairly long, thin and flexible ending in a black switch. South Kanara buffaloes are well built and medium-sized animals. Head is fairly long with a broad forehead. The neck is long with moderately thick dewlap. Ears are moderately long and erect. The udder is moderately developed. Teats are medium-sized and squarely placed behind the hind legs.

South Kanara buffaloes are moderate milk yielders and normally give milk ranging from 2 to 7 litres per day. There are animals in villages with a peak yield of more than 10 litres per day. The length of lactation varied between 210 to more than 360 days. The lactation milk yield varied from 420 to 2520 litres. The age at first calving and calving interval varied between 30 to 60 months and 12 to 36 months respectively.