Subtypes

Photo 105521242, (c) Nik Borrow, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Nik Borrow https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/105521242

Syncerus caffer nanus

The African forest buffalo is the smallest subspecies and the only one that occurs mainly in the rainforests. They are also more visually different, having a red-hide with horns that rarely fuse together.

Range: Their range is fragmented into two sections in west and central Africa. There is a small area of overlab with the cape buffalo near the Democratic Republic of Congo. A hybrid of the two subspecies have been seen in captivity.

Habitat: Marshes, savanna and rainforest

Size: Forest buffalo are the smallest weighing 250 to 320 kg (550 to 705 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: Near threatened. Adapt readily to captivity.

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Full Classification:

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