The Short Tempered African Buffalo
Being the most bounteous of Africa’s large herbivores it’s the African buffalo. Their numbers range in excess of 900,000+ in the wild. They inhabit a large range of habitats, including grasslands, semi-arid bushland, coastal savannas, and lowland rainforests. Read more about these interesting and short tempered beasts.
First the Stats…
Scientific name: Syncerus caffer
Weight: 660 – 1,840 lbs.
Height: 4 – 5 ft.
Length: Up to 11 ft.
Lifespan: 11 – 22 years (In the wild)
Now on to the Facts!
1.) The African buffalo is estimated to be 4x stronger that the Ox.
2.) Both males and females have horns. The male’s horns are larger than the female’s.
3.) Being a herbivore (eats plants), the bulk of their diet consists of grasses. They also consume leaves and other plants.
4.) Herds are typically around 10-15 animals. They can reach into the 1,000s during mass migrations in search for water and food sources.
5.) Herds usually consist of primarily females and young. Males number only 1 – 3.
But wait, there’s more on the African buffalo!
6.) When faced with predators, animals of the herd form a circle around the young, old or weak animals, exposing their large and sharp horns toward the predators. This barrier is very effective and prevents predators from reaching the animals that are not strong enough to fight.
7.) When faced off with predators, animals of the herd make wagon train style circle around the young, old, & weak animals. The stronger of the herd then expose their large horns toward the predators. This barrier keeps predators from reaching the one not strong enough to fight.
Did you know…?
African buffaloes have fantastic memories and can remember previous assailants and will attack them on site.
8.) The calves are dependent upon their mother for up to a year.
