Due to its unpredictable behaviour the African Buffalo is known as one of Africa’s most dangerous animals. The large bovine will attack and pursue aggressors and herds are defensive of their members. The herds vary in size but are found close to permanent water sources and like to drink in the early morning and late afternoon.

Characteristics

The horns form a solid plate on the top of the buffalo’s head and its large and heavy upper body makes it an impressive sight. Male buffalos reach a shoulder height of 1.6 metres and can weigh up to 900 kg. The horns of a male are about a metre wide, while the females are smaller in size with smaller horns.

Behaviour

Buffalos are some of Africa’s most successful grazers and eat tall and coarse grasses thereby preparing the plains for more selective grazers. A fully grown buffalo has few enemies apart from humans. Lions hunt buffalo, but usually a whole pride is needed to take down an adult. Buffalos will defend themselves and other members of the herd, making it dangerous and difficult for any predator to attack these large mammals. Buffalos mate and calve in the wet season and the calves are protected by the entire herd. Cheetah, leopard and hyena prey on calves if they can separate them from the herd.