A stocky member of the cow family from Africa. The females form protective herds whilst the males are mostly solitary. Members of the herd are thought to 'vote' on which direction the herd should move.

Subspecies
2 subspecies, and some races: S.c. caffer (Cape buffalo) in savannas and woodland, S.c. nanus (Forest buffalo) in forests near the equator.

Life span
Although they have a lifespan of about 30 years, it is unlikely that they reach even half that age in the wild.

Statistics
240-340cm long, with a 75-110cm long tail and standing 135-170cm at the shoulder and weighing 680kg (male) or 576kg (female). The forest subspecies is smaller in all dimensions, being about 220cm long and standing 100-120cm at the shoulder.

Physical description
A heavily built member of the cow family with a reddish brown coat (darker in the forest subspecies). The neck is thick, and the head carries two low, curved horns with a large boss between them.

Distribution
Sub-Saharan Africa.

Habitat
Savannah and woodland.

Diet
Grass and other vegetation.

Behaviour
Females live in herds with their young (including males under 3 years old). These are usually around 12 individuals in the forest buffalo, but up to 1,000 in the Cape buffalo. Males are mostly solitary or form small bachelor groups. The herds are very protective of their members, and appear to 'vote' on which direction they should move using different postures.

Reproduction
Breeding can take place at any time of year, but births tend to peak during the wet season. Males associate with the herd for a short period and pursue any females in oestrus during this time and try to repel any other males. Gestation is 340 days, after which a single calf is born. The youngster remains hidden in vegetation for the first few weeks, being nursed occasionally by the mother, before joining the protective group, where they are held in the centre of the herd for safety.

Conservation status
Listed as 'Lower risk - Conservation Dependent'.