Picture courtesy Alan Morton, Wildlife Photographer
Height: 1,5 m
Mass : 600 kg
Gestation : 330 days, 1 calf
Grazers. Buffalo prefer river valleys, grassy plains or parkland savanna near water. Bulls are massive with broad bases, and the horns of the bull is larger. Record length for normal horns of a bull measured 142,88mm from outer curve to outer curve. Males are blackish in colour, cows and calves are more dark, reddish-brown. Herds of more than a thousand head have been observed in the Kruger National Park.
Old bulls become solitary or roam around in small groups. Like all other herbivores, the dominant cow leads the herd. Buffalo are more nocturnal than djurnal. Most of the grazing is done at night.
Sense of sight and hearing are not acute but sense of smell seems to be well developed.
They are extremely dangerous when wounded or cornered. During a charge the head is held high to keep its adversary in sight and only at the last moment is the head lowered for the toss. This animal is very tough and a bullet to the brain may only deflect the bullet. Buffalo can reach a speed of more than 50 km/h.
They are also very inquisitive and will often stare, nose raised high. At the same time taking a few steps forward accompanied by snorts and a defiant motion of the head and horns.
Lions are their only significant natural enemy. Although a single lion facing a buffalo has a formidable task. If attacked a bull will go down fighting fiercely and virtually to the last breath. Many lion has been injured in such battles. When a herd is threatened, they form a protective circle with the bulls on the perimeter.
Sounds of the Buffalo
From CD 'Animal Calls of Africa'
Donation made to World Wildlife Fund South Africa for each copy purchased
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