20/05/2025
CAPE BUFFALO
Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
Gestation: 11 ½ months
Habits: Although more mature males may have to compete with younger males during mating periods, the combined size and strength of the herd with young males present creates a less vulnerable herd. Therefore mature males tolerate the presence of competitors which leads to large herds.
Their formidable horns with the plate like shield of bone or ‘boss’ is used for defense and sparring with one another.
Hierarchical society with a single dominant bull. Buffalo exhibits many forms of social behaviour such as protecting the young and weak with a defensive circle around them and even rescuing herd members that are being attacked by predators.
Additionally, decisions over which direction to move are taken by mature females in a democratic manner- they are not led by a single matriarch.
