A formidable and resilient herbivore native to various parts of sub-Saharan Africa, African buffaloes are characterized by their robust build and striking horn structure. As grazers, they play a significant role in the continent’s ecosystems, influencing the diversity and distribution of vegetation. Despite their herbivorous diet, African buffaloes are renowned for their aggressive nature and strength, making them one of Africa’s most dangerous animals, especially when threatened or injured.
African buffaloes are large, with adults reaching lengths of up to 3.4 meters (11 feet) and weighing 900 kilograms (about 2,000 pounds). Their long, stocky bodies are covered in dark brown or black coats, with older individuals sometimes appearing more grayish. One of the most distinguishing features of the African buffalo is its horns. These horns have a unique growth pattern; they diverge downwards at the base, then curve upwards and outwards. In males, the horns’ bases grow close enough to form a continuous bone shield known as a “boss,” used in battles for dominance within the herd and defense against predators.
The African buffalo is revered and feared for its formidable defense strategies. When faced with predators such as lions, buffaloes can become aggressive and have been known to kill lions or chase them into trees. This collective defense mechanism, especially when protecting calves or injured members, underscores the buffalo’s reputation for solidarity and strength in the face of threats.
Regarded as one of the “Big Five” game animals in Africa, alongside the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, and elephant, trophy hunters often seek the African buffalo. The term “Big Five” was originally coined to denote the five most difficult and dangerous animals to hunt on foot in Africa. While this label has contributed to the African buffalo’s fame, it has also made them a target for hunting, which, combined with habitat loss and diseases such as bovine tuberculosis, poses significant challenges to their populations.
Distribution
Angola
Benin
Botswana
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cameroon
Central Af. Rep.
Chad
Congo-Brazzaville
Côte D’ivoire
DR Congo (Kinshasa)
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Official estimate
Eswatini
Ethiopia
Gabon
Gambia
Official estimate
Ghana
Guinea-Bissau
Guinea
Kenya
Lesotho
Official estimate
Liberia
Malawi
Mali
Mozambique
Namibia
Niger
Nigeria
Rwanda
Senegal
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Africa
South Sudan
Sudan
Tanzania
Togo
Uganda
Zambia
ZimbabweAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
African buffalo on banknotes
This is called “inflation”, by the way.
