Cape Buffalo

Cape buffaloes, also known as African buffalo, are formidable herbivores found in various parts of Africa. They inhabit a range of ecosystems, including grasslands, savannas, woodlands, and wetlands, across sub-Saharan Africa. These magnificent creatures are among the largest bovines globally, with males, called "bulls," weighing between 1,500 and 2,200 pounds and standing around 5.6 to 6.9 feet tall at the shoulder. Cape buffaloes are known for their robust build, dark brown to black coats, and distinctive, curving horns that form a protective shield over their heads. Cape buffaloes are known for their unpredictable and sometimes aggressive behavior, particularly when threatened by predators. Their horns and sheer size make them challenging targets for predators like lions. When threatened, they form a defensive circle with their young in the center, using their sharp horns to ward off attackers.

Cape buffaloes are primarily grazers, feeding on grasses and other vegetation. They have a unique adaptation known as "reversed sexual dimorphism," where females are often larger than males. This is an advantage for the females when it comes to competing for food resources.

These animals exhibit strong social behavior, living in large herds that can consist of several hundred individuals. Female buffaloes, known as "cows," give birth to a single calf after a gestation period of about 11.5 months. These herds are matriarchal, with a dominant female leading the group.

Cape buffaloes are considered a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, they face ongoing threats, including habitat loss, diseases, and illegal hunting.