Guide Note

A Buffalo is a large mammal that belongs to the Bovidae family and are native to Africa and Asia. The most common is the Cape buffalo, which is a member of the "Big Five" group that also includes the elephant, lion, rhinoceros, and leopard. It is the only species of buffalo in Africa and has two subspecies, the Savanna Buffalo and Forest Buffalo.¹

Fast Facts

1. Usually calm if left alone
2. Can be dangerous if wounded
3. Live in herds
4. Both male and female have heavy horns
5. Sight and hearing is poor
6. Scent is well developed
7. Dependant on available water
8. Diet: Grass
9. Water buffaloes are often domesticated
10. A Bison is not a true buffalo²

Savanna and Forest Buffaloes

Savanna buffaloes are much larger than their counterpart, the Forest buffalo. They appear cow-like and vary in color and size. When first born, the Savanna buffalo has a reddish-brown color, but as they mature their fur turns much darker. There are some that maintain their reddish color, but those are usually the smaller Forest buffalo. Both the Savanna and the Forest buffaloes live close to water and herd with thousands of others. Females and their offspring make up most of the herd.¹