Cape Buffalo Definition | Characteristics & Facts

Cape Buffalo General Characteristics & Facts

Scientific Name: Syncerus caffer
Size: Adult males (bulls) can weigh between 900 to 1,200 kg (2,000 to 2,600 lbs), while females (cows) are slightly smaller.
Horns: Both males and females have large, curved horns that can span up to 1.6 meters (5.2 feet) across.
Habitat: Cape Buffaloes inhabit a range of habitats including savannas, grasslands, woodlands, and swampy areas.
Distribution: Found in sub-Saharan Africa, from South Africa to the Sahel region in the north.
Social Behavior: They are known to be social animals and are often seen in herds ranging from a few individuals to several hundred.
Behavior: This can be quite unpredictable and potentially dangerous when threatened. They are known to exhibit aggressive behavior when defending themselves or their herd.
Diet: Primarily grazers, feed on grasses, but they also consume shrubs and other vegetation.
Water Dependence: Need regular access to water and often gather around watering holes.
Predators: Adult Cape Buffaloes have few natural predators, but lions and crocodiles are among the few that might attack them. Calves are more vulnerable.
Reproduction: Females give birth to a single calf after a gestation period of around 11 months.
Lifespan: In the wild, they can live up to 15-25 years, while in captivity, they can live longer.
Conservation Status: Listed as “Least Concern” by the IUCN, but certain populations are threatened by habitat loss and disease.
Cultural Significance: Cape Buffaloes have cultural importance in various African societies and are often depicted in local art and folklore.
Tourist Attraction: A popular sighting for wildlife enthusiasts and tourists on safari due to their imposing size and behavior.