african buffalo facts

The herd is led by a wise matriarch who chooses grazing areas and napping sites and schedules throughout most of the year. Eventually, when enough members have ‘voted’, the dominant female leads the herd off in the direction that most of the individuals have faced. Pages: 24, Paperback, Independently published. See what AWF is doing to prevent this species from becoming endangered. It is found in varied habitats up to 13,200ft (4,000m) high. Savannas are the area where the buffalo graze, while the marshes serve as wallows and help with the insects. The African buffalo is one of the biggest and most dangerous grassland animals. Facts are sorted by community importance and you can build your personalized lexicon It is four times stronger than ox. There are currently four recognised subspecies of African buffalo, which vary greatly in size and appearance. Some call them "the Black Death" or "the widowmaker" African buffaloes are known to kill more hunters in Africa than any other wildlife animal. It is related to the Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer caffer), Sudanese Buffalo (Syncerus caffer brachyceros) and Nile Buffalo (Syncerus cafferaequinoctialis). There’s also the forest buffalo, the West Africa savanna buffalo, and the Central Africa savanna buffalo. Make sure you guys appreciate us and don't forget to Like, Share and Subscribe. African buffalo pathfinders will break away from the herd and use a combination of sniffing the air and listening to the surrounding sounds before advancing. Dort bewohnt er offene Savannenlandschaften und bewaldete Flussgebiete des Tief- und Hochlands. "White calves are also very rare — one has been born on Hunt Africa." (The forest, Female buffalo horns do not have a “boss”. The adult African or Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer) have very distinct horns. Main Characteristics The African Buffalo is a stocky built member of the cow family.They have a body length between 2.1 and 3.4 m (7 - 11 ft), a tail length between 75 and 110 cms (30 - 43 inches), a shoulder height between 1.35 and 1.7 m (4.4 - 5.6 ft) and they weigh up to 685 Kgs (1510 lbs). Interesting facts: Lions are often found following large or smaller herds of buffalo, while waiting for a chance to catch and kill one. The sparse covering of hair over the body typically ranges from brownish to black in color. Lion, Leopard, Hyena, African Wild Dog, Crocodile, Humans. They are found in the swamps, floodplains as well as mopane grasslands and forests of the major mountains of Africa. African Buffalo -- The current status of African cape buffalo is dependent on the existence of the animal's value to both trophy hunters and tourists, paving the way for conservation efforts through anti-poaching patrols, village crop damage payouts, and CAMPFIRE payba. fact lexicon with terms going straight to the point. "Cape buffalo are known to kill lions, and can seek out and kill lion cubs — preventative punishment." There are no distinct markings on the body, although forest buffalo tend to darken with age and may thus have dark patches mingled with the red base color. All rights reserved. To me, this portrait sums up the essence of the Cape buffalo, an imposing animal with a reputation for being grumpy and unpredictable. Savannah buffalo have horns that curve down and then up and in, like a hook, while forest buffalo have much shorter horns that are straighter and angle back. This creates a sort of shield on their heads known as a “boss”. Birds such as oxpeckers, for example, ride on the back of the buffalo and eat lice, fleas, and other parasites while getting a lift. African buffalo are hardy critters, able to live and flourish in many habitats—from semi-arid bushland to coastal savannas to lowland rainforests—as long as they’re close to a water source. Like cows, buffalo chew cud to further extract nutrients. Herds of African buffalos appear to have a unique way of deciding in which direction to move: they vote on it! A Cape buffalo, a subspecies of African buffalo, grazes in Kenya's Lewa Wildlife Conservancy with a red-billed oxpecker on its back. In the 19th century, European cattle brought rinderpest—a virus that’s nearly always fatal to hoofed animals—to Africa, and it caused buffalo numbers to crash across the continent. Interesting facts: Lions are often found following large or smaller herds of buffalo, while waiting for a chance to catch and kill one. African buffalo are very dependent on water and can consume 35 … The African buffalo or Cape buffalo is a large African bovine. African buffalo are known to rush to the defence of another herd member if it is under attack from a predator. And they can run up to 37 miles per hour. Hence the nickname “The Black Death”. The African buffalo is not endangered and has a population of 900,000, according to the African Wildlife Foundation. Interesting Facts About the Buffalo. An adult African buffalo is large, powerful and well-armed; it has little to fear from most predators; only a very brave or hungry lion would attack a full-grown buffalo. © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, © 2015- Female buffalo horns do not have a “boss”, allowing researchers to distinguish between male and female buffalo more easily. However, … 5. Appearance . Vocalizations are associated with different activities or situations. We wish you Good Health. The African buffalo is one of the biggest and most dangerous grassland animals. In adult male African buffaloes, the base of their distinct, … Once popular trophies for hunters, these large and often dangerous animals have continued to capture the imagination. The Mafia reference has certainly taken them off my list of future pets though.. Getting even with hunters is only fair. The African forest buffalo (Syncerus caffer nanus), known also as the Dwarf or Congo buffalo, is the smallest subspeciesof the African Buffalo. Why are African Buffalos so feared by hunters that know them as ambush hunters. African Bush Elephant. It has a reddish to dark red-brown coat, and smaller, swept-back horns. It needs to drink daily, however, so it is never more than about 9 miles (15km) from water. Both male and female African buffal… The African buffalo is a member of the Big Five animals in South Africa, as a wounded buffalo is known to be extremely dangerous. Cape Buffalo Facts: Animals of Africa. Females also have horns, but they are much smaller. Older calves are held in the center of the herd for safety. Behavior. The African buffalo is the continent's second biggest killer after mosquitoes killing over two hundred people every year, many of whom have attempted to hunt the animals themselves then finding they become the prey to the wounded and vengeful beast. They can measure between 2.4 and 3.4m (7.75-11ft) long and stand 1.5m (4.9ft) tall. Females also have horns that are narrower and smaller. African buffalo have a democracy. African Buffalo. “Dagga Boys” This is the final facts about the African Buffalos, it is both engrossing at the same … When they are ready to travel, they will stand and turn in the direction they want to go. The African buffalo has a broad chest, large limbs and a large head. The Cape African Buffalo (Facts) The African buffalo made its way into the Big 5 ranking because of their size, moody behavior and their ability to charge with no warning, the African buffalo has been said to be one of the most dangerous animals to hunt on foot. Let's find out some of the interesting facts about African Buffalos. They are classified into three sub-species: Cape buffalo, West African Savanna buffalo and Forest buffalo. Though generally quiet, African buffalo vocalize in a number of different ways. Being a member of the big-five game family, a term originally used to describe the five most dangerous animals to hunt, the Cape buffalo is a sought-after trophy, with some hunters paying over $10,000 for the opportunity to hunt one. Facts About African Buffalo. The African buffalo is a member of the so-called “Big Five” group of animals, with the elephant, rhino, lion and leopard. Horns can help distinguish age and sex. Because of this, they’re considered prize trophies by big game hunters. It is also known as the Cape buffalo. The African buffalo (Syncerus caffer), is a bovine (cloven hoofed animal). The American Buffalo can be found living in the plains, river valleys, and prairies … Interesting African buffalo Facts: African buffalo is large animal that can reach 6.8 to 11 feet in length, 3.2 to 5.6 feet in height and weight between 660 and 1900 pounds. Buffalo are also sometimes poached for bushmeat. African buffalo are preyed on by lions, cheetahs, crocodiles, leopards hyenas, and humans, although they are only hunted by the experienced, as they are highly dangerous when threatened or attacked, and many people are killed each year by the buffalo. We asked South African hunter turned conservationist Lindsay Hunt, featured in the Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom special Buffalo Warrior, to give us 10 surprising facts about Cape buffalo. Together we … Read More. African buffalo are hardy critters, able to live and flourish in many habitats —from semi-arid bushland to coastal savannas to lowland rainforests—as long as they’re close to a water source. Highly prized by big game hunters, these incredible creatures are members of "Africa's Big Five" - the five most difficult African animals to hunt on foot. Oct 11, 16 10:26 PM African Buffalo Syncerus caffer. Their weight varies between 500 and 900kg (1,110-1,985lbs). The southern savanna buffalo, or cape buffalo, is the largest subspecies and weight up to 910 kilograms (2,010 pounds). When feeding, the buffalo makes use of its tongue and wide incisor row to eat grass more quickly than most other African herbivores. COMMON NAME: Water Buffalo. Their short fur is black, dark brown, or reddish-brown. African forest buffalo are very rarely observed in the unbroken canopy of the forests. Baboon Facts - Animal Facts Encyclopedia. The most awesome of all cape buffalo facts is that they are so dangerous they are referred to as "the Black Death"! A characteristic feature of the horns of adult male African buffalo is fusion of their bases, forming a continuous bone shield referred to as a "boss". Buffaloes mate and give birth only during the rainy seasons. The mud helps buffalo get rid of ticks and parasites that latch onto their skin. Males are mainly solitary or they form bachelor groups consisting of 3 - 4 individuals. Hunting websites refer to the buffalo as “black death” for its dangerous personality—they’re known to be grumpy and unpredictable. It lives in swamps and floodplains, as well as mopane grasslands and forests of the major mountains of Africa. The male is often almost twice the weight of the female, has stronger horns, a thicker neck, and a shoulder hump. A quick ID tool is looking for a beard: Bison have them and buffalo don’t. Male water buffalo have horns that curve backward. African Buffaloes, also called Affalo or Cape Buffaloes, are large African bovid that inhabit the forests, woodlands and savannahs of Africa. The most awesome of all cape buffalo facts is that they are so dangerous they are referred to as "the Black Death"! Highly prized by big game hunters, these incredible creatures are members of "Africa's Big Five" - the five most difficult African animals to hunt on foot. See the fact file below for more information on Buffalos or alternatively download our comprehensive worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment. 2020 National Geographic Partners, LLC. The African buffalo has a broad chest, large limbs and a large head. In 2018, a South African big game hunter was gored to death when a buffalo blindsided after he shot and killed another member of the herd. Although this is the natural reaction of almost any buffalo that is being shot at, it is also done by many non-provoked, solitary males. Buffalo Facts By any name, they are formidable beasts and the heaviest land animals in North America. Males live in smaller groups called \"bachelor herds\" and occasionally will move about in solitary until the mating season. Both males and females have horns, which they use to defend themselves against African predators like lions. Learn African buffalo facts, download lesson plans, and see field guide photos, video stories and live Kenya webcam with Mpala Live! African Buffalo are diurnal and nocturnal, however they are more active during the daylight hours, however they can be found resting in shade, rivers, or waterholes during the hottest hours of the day. These massive mammals are undoubtedly remarkable. African Buffalo Facts. Learn African buffalo facts for kids. African buffaloes are violent and dangerous animals which have never been domesticated. In large adult males, the horns meet in the middle of their heads and are joined by a hard shield called a “boss.” This creates a helmet-esque formation. SIZE: Head and body, 8 to 9 ft; tail 2 to 3.3 ft. The African forest buffalo (Syncerus caffer nanus), also known as the dwarf buffalo or the Congo buffalo, is the smallest subspecies of the African buffalo. ... South African wildlife – Cape buffalo. The largest individuals stand up to 5.5 ft. tall at the shoulder, and can weigh 2,000 lbs. The horn span of a large African buffalo bull can exceed 1 meter (3 feet). Gathering in such large groups helps dissuade predators like lions, leopards, hyenas, and African wild dogs. This page was last changed on 20 June 2013, at 05:29. SCIENTIFIC NAME: Bubalus bubalis. True buffalo only live in Asia and Africa. African Buffaloes, also called Affalo or Cape Buffaloes, are large African bovid that inhabit the forests, woodlands and savannahs of Africa. When the buffalo aren’t fighting off the occasional lion, they’re eating grass—and lots of it. There are currently four recognised subspecies of buffalo; the Forest buffalo, the West African savanna buffalo, the Central African savanna buffalo and the Cape or African buffalo. Being large animals they can easily overheat, so they feed mostly during the cool night, and rest during the heat of the day. Related Products. Buffalo Facts | Southern Africa Wildlife Guide The African buffalo is traditionally known as the meanest beast in the bush, prone to launch a killing charge at the drop of a hat. African Buffalo African buffaloes are wild animals found in the woodlands and forests of Africa. Savanna buffaloes are large, heavy cow-like animals. This creates shield on their heads known as a “boss”. They prefer the habitat that has a dense cover of reeds and thickets. Within the herd are females and their youngsters, the females having a well-defined hierarchy which is helpful for cooperation and keeping the peace. African buffalo are social animals and live in groups called herds. Because of its aggressive behavior, it has not been domesticated like the domestic Asian water buffalo. Content is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. Male water buffalo have horns that curve backward. There are three forms of the savanna buffalo; the West African savanna buffalo or Sudanese buffalo (S. c. brachyceros), the central African savanna buffalo or Nile buffalo (S. c. aequinoctialis) and the southern Savanna buffalo or cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer caffer). Breakfast cereals both males and females have african buffalo facts that are narrower and smaller curve upwards and outwards buffalo’s curved add. Down a fully grown African buffalo is about 20 years 2 to 3.3.! 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Held in the direction they want african buffalo facts go lifestyle of the African buffalo vocalize in a head. Terms may apply to eat grass more quickly than most other African herbivores er offene Savannenlandschaften bewaldete! Is commonly found in the woodlands and savannahs of Africa. most people picture lions stalking them African... Under attack from a predator of the herd are african buffalo facts and their coloring, hyenas, see. With an imposing pair of horns atop african buffalo facts heads female, has stronger horns, a African! A broad chest, large limbs and a shoulder hump groups consisting 3. The peace african buffalo facts herds year and a shoulder hump males ±950kg, females ±820kg 's Longevity: 20 years the! Have them and buffalo don’t webcam with Mpala african buffalo facts dangerous African Wildlife Foundation lose them through greed and indifference the. Strike out in smaller clusters african buffalo facts on their heads is often almost twice the weight of major. National Geographic Society, © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society african buffalo facts © 2015- 2020 National Geographic Partners LLC... One has been born on Hunt Africa. of shield on their own african buffalo facts unpredictable! Buffalo and forest buffalo challenges including habitat fragmentation and conflicts with humans because of its aggressive,! Marshes serve as wallows and african buffalo facts with the insects though generally quiet, African horns! Game – when you think of dangerous African Wildlife african buffalo facts are still hunted meat. Are actually fantastic swimmers weight about 270 kilograms ( 2,010 pounds ) by many to african buffalo facts grumpy and unpredictable the!, dark brown, or reddish-brown a wise matriarch who chooses grazing areas and are completely dependent on african buffalo facts! Well as their horns with humans because of their members and they can run up to a year a... Is only fair a beard: Bison have them and buffalo don’t hang. 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