African buffalo
- Class: Mammals (Mammalia)
- Order: Even-toed ungulates
- Family: Bovids (Bovidae)
- Genus: Syncerus
- Species: Syncerus caffer
- SubGenus: S. c. caffer
Size
The African buffalo weighs between 700 and 1 000 kg.
Ecology
There are two subspecies of African buffalo; the savanna buffalo and the somewhat smaller forest buffalo. They inhabit densely tree-covered areas, but may also be found in open woodlands.
Buffalos are highly gregarious, and although they form mixed herds of up to 1 000 individuals, bachelor groups or single animals are often encountered. The animals’ ages, sex and the overall availability of food determine the size of the herd formed.
Food habits
The African buffalo is primarily a grazer, where 5?% of its diet consists of leaves and shoots.
It drinks at least once daily, and since it depends on the constant availability of water, it is found near rivers, lakes and swamps.
Longevity
African buffalos live for 16 to 20 years, ones in zoos may reach 30 years of age.
Reproduction
Hierarchy occurs within the buffalo herd, whereby the dominant bull or bulls mate with all receptive cows. The cow generally gives birth to a single calf after a gestation period of 11 months. Breeding occurs throughout the year, but reproduction rate peaks are determined by high seasonal rainfall.
Conservation status
African buffalo populations have decreased due to hunting, bouts of diseases and competition with livestock for grazing areas.
IUCN Threat Category:
Near Threatened.
