African buffalo

The African buffalo (Syncerus caffer), also known as the Cape buffalo, is one of the most powerful and dangerous land animals in Africa. It’s a member of the “Big Five” (alongside lion, elephant, leopard, and rhino) and is known for its unpredictable nature and strong herd loyalty.

🐃 African Buffalo — Overview

Trait	Description
Scientific Name	Syncerus caffer
Average Weight	Males: 1,100–2,000 lbs (500–900 kg) Females: 800–1,200 lbs (350–550 kg)
Height at Shoulder	4–5.5 ft (1.2–1.7 m)
Lifespan	15–25 years
Habitat	Savannas, woodlands, swamps, grasslands
Diet	Herbivore — mostly grasses
Conservation Status	Least Concern (but declining in some areas due to habitat loss and disease)

🔍 Key Features

Heavy, muscular build with short, stocky legs and a barrel-shaped torso.
Large, curved horns that often form a “boss” — a thick shield across the forehead in males.
Dark brown or black hide, with males often darker and heavier than females.
Excellent sense of smell and hearing, but poor eyesight.

🐾 Behavior & Social Life

Live in herds of anywhere from 20 to several hundred.
- Herds are typically made up of females and their young, with males forming bachelor groups or staying on the fringes.
Strong herd dynamics — they will defend injured members and have been seen rescuing calves from predators.
Can be aggressive when threatened, especially older males (“dagga boys”) who roam alone or in small groups.
Notoriously unpredictable and dangerous — cause more hunter fatalities in Africa than lions.

🦁 Predators & Defense

Main predators: lions, hyenas, and crocodiles.
When threatened:
- Herd may circle around calves.
- Will charge predators with lethal force.
- Herd members have been documented goring or trampling lions to protect each other.

🌍 Habitat & Range

Found in sub-Saharan Africa, from West Africa across to East and Southern Africa.
Thrive in areas with plentiful water and grass — they need to drink daily.
Adapted to various ecosystems: savannas, forests, swamps, and floodplains.

🧬 Subspecies of African Buffalo

Cape buffalo (S. c. caffer) – largest and most common, found in southern and East Africa.
Forest buffalo (S. c. nanus) – smaller, reddish, found in Central and West African rainforests.
Sudanese buffalo (S. c. brachyceros) – West Africa.
Nile buffalo (S. c. aequinoctialis) – East-Central Africa.

⚠️ Conservation Concerns

Populations are declining due to:
- Habitat loss and fragmentation
- Diseases like bovine tuberculosis and foot-and-mouth disease
- Human-wildlife conflict (especially with farmers and ranchers)
Still classified as “Least Concern”, but monitored closely.

Would you like:

A comparison between the Cape buffalo and water buffalo?
Info on safely viewing them on safari?
Or details on their role in African ecosystems?