African Buffalo
Syncerus caffer
Conservation Status
VulnerableMammalia · Artiodactyla · Bovidae
About
The African buffalo is a large species of true buffalo native to Sub-Saharan Africa, where it is found in a number of disconnected ranges stretching from south-eastern Senegal through West and Central Africa to South Africa. The adult African buffalo's horns are its characteristic feature: they have fused bases that form a continuous bone shield, referred to as a "boss", across the top of the head. The African buffalo is more closely related to Asian buffalo (Bubalus) species than it is to other bovids such as American bison or domestic cattle. Its unpredictable temperament may be part of the reason that the African buffalo has never been domesticated and has no domesticated descendants, unlike the wild yak and wild water buffalo, which are the ancestors of the domestic yak and water buffalo, respectively. Natural predators of adult African buffaloes include lions, African wild dogs, spotted hyenas, and Nile crocodiles. As one of the Big Five game animals, the Cape buffalo, the largest subspecies native to eastern and southern Africa, is a sought-after trophy in hunting.
Fun Fact
African buffalo are so dangerous that big-game hunters call them 'Black Death' — wounded bulls will circle back to ambush their pursuer, and the herd collectively defends calves against lions.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Savannas, forests, and wetlands
Diet
Herbivore
Lifespan
18-20 years
Threats
- Illegal Wildlife Trade
- Poaching
- Wildfire