In Büdingen, Hesse, water buffalo help Deutsche Bahn transform a former military site into a wetland. A herd of buffalo has been grazing the area since summer 2014, which provides ideal conditions for them due to its moisture. The buffalo's body structure allows them to reach spots in the wetland that other grazing animals cannot, as their wide hooves prevent them from sinking too deeply. By eating grasses and browsing shrubs, they keep the waterways clear.

In doing so, the water buffalo supports the survival of other species, such as fire-bellied toads, and contributes to environmental protection. Their use also generates eco-points for Deutsche Bahn’s eco-account, which can be applied when interventions in nature elsewhere are unavoidable – for example, during construction projects.