The Cape buffalo is the largest of the African subspecies. They can grow up to 5.6 feet tall, have a body length of 5 – 11 feet, and weigh over 2,200 pounds!

Since the front of their body is much heavier than their backside, their front hooves are larger and sturdier than the rear.

The defining characteristic of the Cape buffalo is its horns. Instead of connecting to each side of their skull, the Cape buffalo’s horns are more of a continuous bone shield across their head called a “boss”, which females also have. Adult males can have horns as large as 5 feet apart at the tips! They can use them to play or fight other buffalo in the herd.

Even though the young will get their full horns at 5 or 6 years old, they won’t get fully hardened for another 3 years.

The Cape buffalo is the most common of the four species of African buffalos, which can be found in East Africa. They prefer swamps, grasslands, forests, and any other habitat with dense cover.

Cape buffalos are herbivores eating a variety of grass, leaves, and other plant matters. Like cows, these buffalo will spend a while grazing, then regurgitate their food and chew it a second time to help with digestion. Outside of all the grazing, Cape buffalos still need daily access to a watering hole. Since they are not picky eaters, they coexist easily with pickier grazer.

All subspecies of African buffalo mate during the rainy season. Many males will follow a female around when she’s ready to mate but only the dominant male will be able to pursue her. Once pregnant, the female carries the calf for a little under a year, rarely giving birth to twins. The calf will stay hidden for the first few weeks before joining the herd.

They are considered one of the most dangerous animals in Africa.

Cape buffalo have four times the strength of an ox!

Cape buffalo herds keep the older member of the group in the center to protect them.