Species

By Charles J. Sharp - Own work, from Sharp Photography, sharpphotography.co.uk, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=68494466

Syncerus caffer

The African buffalo consists of multiple species of buffalo that are native to sub-Saharan Africa. A diverse population, there are typically three to five species currently recognized: the Cape buffalo, the forest buffalo, the Sudan buffalo, the Nile buffalo, and occasionally, the mountain buffalo. In ZARPG, we recognize the Cape, forest and Sudanese buffalo while the Nile and mountain buffalo fall within the Sudan subspecies. There is a high degree of sexual dimorphisim with males being larger with larger horns.

Range: Species of African buffalo can be found throughout the near entirety of central and south Africa but are often fragmented.

Habitat: Buffalo can inhabit any type of habitat as long as there is permanent water and grasses.

Size: Depending on the species, they can weigh less than 300 kgs (660 lbs) or over 835 kgs (1837 lbs).

Life Span: 11-22 years in the wild; 16-29 years in captivty.

Feeding: Herbivore

Reproduction: Polygynandrous. Mating can occur at any time but peak during wet seasons. They have a gestation period of 340 days and typically have 1 calf with twins being very rare. Calves can wean any time between 4 to 18 months depending on life circumstances, specifically if the mother is present or not. It takes calves 1-2 years for independence and they dont reach sexual maturity until 4.5 years for males and 5 years for females.

Conservation Status: Least concern as a whole but certain subspecies have different statuses. Adapt readily to captivity.

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Full Classification:

To read more visit Animal Diversity Web.